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{{Short description|Indian film actor, director and producer (born 1969)}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2013}}
{{Redirect|Devgn|other use|Devgan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = AJ Devin
| name = Ajay Devgn
| image = Ajay Devgn.jpg
| image = Ajay Devgn at the launch of MTV Super Fight League.jpg
| caption = Devgn in 2018
| image size =
| birth_name = Vishal Veeru Devgan<ref name="Vishal">{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/140318/ajay-devgn-jail-bars-real-name-vishal-akshay-phool-kante-unknown-facts.html |title=Ajay Devgn says he's been put behind bars twice, reveals why he changed his real name |date=14 March 2018 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref>
| caption = Devgn in 2014
| birth_date = {{birth-date and age|2 April 1969}}
| birth_name = Vishal Devgan
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], [[Delhi]], India
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1969|4|2}}
| othername = Ajay Devgan
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], India
| nationality =
| residence = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| education = [[Mithibai College]]
| nationality =
| occupation = Actor, producer, director
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|producer|director}}
| religion =
| years_active = 1991–present
| works = [[Ajay Devgn filmography|Full list]]
| ethnicity =
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Kajol]]|1999}}
| children = 2
| parents = [[Veeru Devgan]]<br/>Veena
| children = 2
| father = [[Veeru Devgan]]
| relatives = See [[List of Hindi film clans#Devgan family|Devgan family]]
| family = [[List of Hindi film clans#Devgan family|Devgan family]] (by birth)<br />[[Mukherjee-Samarth family]] (by marriage)
| awards = [[Padma Shri]] (2016)<ref>http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajinikanth-awarded-padma-vibhushan-padma-shri-for-priyanka-chopra-ajay-devgn/</ref>
| awards = [[List of awards and nominations received by Ajay Devgn|Full list]]
| years active = 1991–present
| othername = Raju, AJ Devin
| honours = [[Padma Shri]] (2016)
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Kajol]]|1999}}
| website = {{URL|https://ajaydevgnffilms.com/}}
| education = [[Mithibai College]]
}}
}}


'''Vishal Devgan''' (born 2 April 1969),<ref>[http://www.koimoi.com/actor/ajay-devgn/ "Ajay Devgn."] Koimoi.com Accessed 29 June 2013.</ref> known professionally as '''Ajay Devgn''',<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/Ajay-Devgn-turns-41/Article1-525859.aspx "Ajay Devgn turns 41."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127072446/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Ajay-Devgn-turns-41/Article1-525859.aspx |date=27 January 2011 }} Hindustan Times 2 April 2010.</ref> is an Indian film actor, director and producer. He is widely considered as one of the most popular actors of [[Hindi cinema]], who has appeared in over a [[Ajay Devgan filmography|hundred Hindi films]].<ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm "Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 17 August 2006. Accessed 26 January 2010.</ref><ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/08sld1.htm "Powerlist: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 8 December 2006. Accessed 26 January 2010.</ref><ref>[https://archive.is/20121209074403/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 "Box Office 2000s Decade in Review."] Ibos network.com 19 January 2010. Accessed 26 January 2010.</ref> Devgn has won [[List of awards and nominations received by Ajay Devgn|numerous accolades]], including two [[National Film Awards]] and four [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/feb/22award.htm | title=Shah Rukh, Ash, Ajay Devgan's rich haul | publisher=[[Rediff]] | work=Rediff webdesk | date=22 February 2003 | accessdate=6 January 2016 | author=[[Subhash K. Jha]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.awardsandshows.com/features/best-villain-70.html | title=Filmfare Awards for Best Actor In A Negative Role | publisher=Awards & Winners | accessdate=December 2, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, he was honoured by the [[Government of India]] with the [[Padma Shri]], the fourth-highest [[Indian honours system|civilian honour]] of the country.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/after-being-honored-with-a-padmashri-award-ajay-devgn-shares-a-sweet-message-for-his-fans-249832.html | title=After Being Honored With A Padmashri Award, Ajay Devgn Shares A Sweet Message For His Fans! | publisher=[[Times Internet]] | date=25 January 2016 | accessdate=28 January 2016 | author=Isha Sharma}}</ref>
'''Vishal Veeru Devgan''' (born 2 April 1969), known professionally as '''Ajay Devgn''', is an Indian actor, film director, and producer who works primarily in [[Hindi cinema]]. One of the most prolific actors of Hindi cinema, Devgn has appeared in over [[Ajay Devgn filmography|100 films]] and has won [[List of awards and nominations received by Ajay Devgn|numerous accolades]], including four [[National Film Awards]] and four [[Filmfare Awards]]. In 2016, he was honoured by the [[Government of India]] with the [[Padma Shri]], the country's fourth-highest [[Indian honours system|civilian honour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/deeply-humbled-elated-to-receive-padma-shri-ajay-devgn/articleshow/50718277.cms|title=Deeply humbled, elated to receive Padma Shri: Ajay Devgn|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=27 January 2017|access-date=18 March 2022}}</ref>


Devgn began his professional career with ''[[Phool Aur Kaante]]'' in 1991 and received a [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut]] for his performance.<ref name="1991 BO">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ== |title=Box Office 1991 |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=10 January 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ%3D%3D |archivedate=21 January 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= Sampurn Wire|title= Ajay Devgan a versatility expert|url= http://thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html|publisher= Thaindian.com|accessdate=7 June 2010}}</ref> He then starred in successful films such as ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), ''[[Dilwale (1994 film)|Dilwale]]'' (1994), ''[[Suhaag (1994 film)|Suhaag]]'' (1994), ''[[Naajayaz]]'' (1995), ''[[Diljale]]'' (1996) and ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|Ishq]]'' (1997). In 1998, he appeared in a critically acclaimed performance in [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s drama ''[[Zakhm]]'' and he received his first [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] for his role in the movie. In 1999, his most-talked-about film was ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'' in which he played Vanraj, a man who tries to unite his wife with her lover.
Devgn debuted in the action romance film ''[[Phool Aur Kaante]]'' (1991), a big commercial success which made him an overnight star.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sampurn Wire |title=Ajay Devgan a versatility expert |url=http://thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html |publisher=Thaindian.com |access-date=7 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222045130/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He further starred in successful action films, such as ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), ''[[Suhaag (1994 film)|Suhaag]]'' (1994), ''[[Vijaypath]]'' (1994), ''[[Dilwale (1994 film)|Dilwale]]'' (1994), ''[[Jaan (1996 film)|Jaan]]'' (1996), ''[[Major Saab]]'' (1998) and ''[[Kachche Dhaage]]'' (1999) and romantic roles in ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|Ishq]]'' (1997), ''[[Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha]]'' (1998) and ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'' (1999).<ref name=bo25y>{{cite web|url=https://filminformation.com/featured/flashback-13-october-2023-from-our-issue-dated-17th-october-1998/|title=Blockbusters Of Twenty-Five Years (1973–1997)|date=13 October 2023}}</ref> Devgn also received praise for his performances in ''[[Naajayaz]]'' (1995), ''[[Diljale]]'' (1996) and ''[[Zakhm]]'' (1998). For ''Zakhm'', he won the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="46thaward">{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/71_46thNfacatalogue.pdf|title=46th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725173819/http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/71_46thNfacatalogue.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


In the 2000s, Devgn saw limited commercial success, but continued to garner critical acclaim for films, including ''[[Company (2002 film)|Company]]'' (2002), ''[[The Legend of Bhagat Singh]]'' (2002), ''[[Gangaajal]]'' (2003), ''[[Khakee]]'' (2004), ''[[Raincoat (film)|Raincoat]]'' (2004), ''[[Apaharan]]'' (2005) and ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/lists/lists/the-10-best-performances-of-ajay-devgn-ranked|title=The 10 Best Performances of Ajay Devgn, Ranked|date=30 October 2024}}</ref> For portraying [[Bhagat Singh]] in ''The Legend of Bhagat Singh'', he received his second National Film Award for Best Actor and [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor|Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics)]].<ref name="National Awards">{{Cite web |title=50th National Film Awards Function 2003 |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm50NFAAward.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319021843/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm50NFAAward.aspx |archive-date=19 March 2018 |access-date=19 March 2018 |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |format=PDF |pages=32–33, 72–73 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Filmfare Nominees and Winners |url=https://sites.google.com/site/deep750/FilmfareAwards.pdf?attredirects=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019034032/https://sites.google.com/site/deep750/FilmfareAwards.pdf?attredirects=0 |archive-date=19 October 2015 |access-date=19 March 2018 |website=Filmfare |format=PDF |pages=113–116}}</ref> In 2010, he made a comeback with three major grossers - ''[[Golmaal 3]]'', ''[[Raajneeti]]'', ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai]]'' and continued in the decade with ''[[Singham]]'' (2011), ''[[Bol Bachchan]]'' (2012), ''[[Son of Sardaar]]'' (2012), ''[[Singham Returns]]'' (2014), ''[[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam]]'' (2015), ''[[Golmaal Again]]'' (2017), ''[[Raid (2018 film)|Raid]]'' (2018) and ''[[Total Dhamaal]]'' (2019).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ajay Devgn Filmography |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/actor.php?actorid=44 |access-date=23 November 2020 |website=boxofficeindia.com}}</ref> His highest-grossing releases came with ''[[Tanhaji]]'' (2020), ''[[Drishyam 2 (2022 film)|Drishyam 2]]'' (2022) and ''[[Singham Again]]'' (2024).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8810|title=Singham Again Likely To Remain Ahead Worldwide Due To Overseas|date=14 November 2024}}</ref> For portraying the [[Tanaji Malusare|title role]] in ''Tanhaji'', he won his third National Film Award for Best Actor.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/soorarai-pottru-dominates-68th-national-film-awards/article65671204.ece | title=68th National Film Awards &#124; Soorarai Pottru wins Best Film award | newspaper=The Hindu | date=22 July 2022 }}</ref>
In the early 2000s, he gave critically acclaimed performances in [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s fictional expose of the [[Mumbai underworld]] ''[[Company (film)|Company]]''. He played the character of a gangster, for which he won [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor]]. The same year he gave another critically acclaimed performance in ''[[Deewangee]]'', for which he received the [[Filmfare Best Villain Award]]. In 2003, he won his second [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] for his portrayal of [[Bhagat Singh]] in [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s biopic ''[[The Legend of Bhagat Singh]]''. Throughout his career he has performed in many critically and commercially successful films including ''[[Raincoat (film)|Raincoat]]'' (2004), ''[[Gangajal]]'', (2004), ''[[Yuva]]'' (2004), ''[[Apaharan]]'' (2005), ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'' (2006), ''[[Golmaal: Fun Unlimited]]'' (2006), ''[[Golmaal Returns]]'' (2008), ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins]]'' (2009), ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai]]'' (2010), ''[[Golmaal 3]]'' (2010), ''[[Raajneeti]]'' (2010), ''[[Singham]]'' (2011), ''[[Bol Bachchan]]'' (2012), ''[[Son of Sardaar]]'' (2012), ''[[Singham Returns]]'' (2014), ''[[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam]]'' (2015) and ''[[Golmaal Again]]'' (2017). He has starred in more than a hundred Hindi films. Having done so, he has established himself as one of the leading actors of Hindi cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm |title=rediff.com: Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors |publisher=Rediff.com |date=17 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/08sld1.htm |title=rediff.com: The Powerlist: Top Bollywood Actors |publisher=Rediff.com |date=8 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20121209074403/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=9 December 2012 |title=Box Office 2000s Decade in Review – Top Actors, Actresses and Directors: Final Tallies and Standings |publisher=Ibosnetwork.com |date=19 January 2010 }}</ref>


In addition, Devgn owns a production company [[Ajay Devgn FFilms]], which was established in 2000. In 2008, he debuted as a film director with ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]''. He is married to film actress [[Kajol]] since 1999 and the couple have two children. In August 2009, Devgn changed his surname from ''Devgan'' to ''Devgn'' on the request of his family.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ghose |first=Daliya |url=http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/happy-birthday-ajay-devgan/8799/ |title=Happy Birthday, Ajay Devgan &#124; Golmaal Returns |publisher=Bollywoodmantra.com |date=1 April 2012}}</ref>
Devgn owns a production company [[Ajay Devgn FFilms]], which was established in 1999.<ref>{{Website|title=Devgn Film Company's Website |url=https://devgnfilms.com/}}</ref> He is married to Kajol with whom he has two children.


==Early life and marriage==
== Early life and background ==
[[File:Ajay Devgn and Kajol promoting Tanhaji (2).jpg|thumb|upright|Devgn with his wife [[Kajol]] at an event in 2020]]
Devgn was born to a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] family<ref name="ajy"/> from [[Delhi]] but originally from [[Amritsar]].<ref name="ajy">[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/30ajay.htm "Ajay Devgn: I am a reserved person."] Rediff.com 31 December 2004. Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref> The family has connections to the [[Hindi film industry]] in [[Mumbai]]. Devgn's father, [[Veeru Devgan]], is a stunt choreographer and action film director and his mother, Veena, is a film producer. His brother, [[Anil Devgan]], is a filmmaker and screenwriter. Devgn graduated from the Silver Beach High School in [[Juhu]] and then studied at [[Mithibai College]].
Devgn was born Vishal Veeru Devgan on 2 April 1969 to a [[Punjabi Hindu|Vishwakarma]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Devgan |first=Ajay |title=Caste list in Vishwakarma |url=https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/?wpmobileexternal=true |work=Pm Vishwakarma}}</ref> family originally from [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]].<ref name="ajy">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/30ajay.htm |title="Ajay Devgn: I am a reserved person."}} Rediff.com 31 December 2004. Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref> The family has connections to the [[Hindi film industry]] in [[Mumbai]]. Devgn's father, [[Veeru Devgan]], was a stunt choreographer and action-film director and his mother, Veena Devgan, is a film producer. His cousin, [[Anil Devgan]], is a filmmaker and screenwriter. Devgn graduated from the Silver Beach High School in [[Juhu]] and then studied at [[Mithibai College]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kapoor |first=Diksha |title=PTC Punjabi- Live Gurbani {{!}} World's No.1 Punjabi Entertainment Channel |url=https://www.ptcpunjabi.co.in/happy-50th-birthday-ajay-devgn-5-iconic-movies-that-made-him-the-star |access-date=30 December 2022 |work=[[PTC Punjabi]] |date=2 April 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ajay Devgn: Lesser known facts |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/ajay-devgn-lesser-known-facts/photostory/39351815.cms |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=30 December 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Ajay and Kajol.jpg|thumb|left|Devgan with his wife [[Kajol]]]]
In 1995, Devgn's relationship with his wife, [[Kajol]], began whilst they were co-starring in ''Gundaraj''.<ref name="India Today (2006)">[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html "After motherhood, Kajol returns in a role designed to unsettle filmdom's reigning deities."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005183624/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html |date=5 October 2013 }} India Today 22 May 2006.</ref> The media called them "an unlikely pair" due to their contrasting personalities.<ref name="Rediff (2011)">[http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-happiest-marriages-in-bollywood/20110523.htm "The Happiest marriages in Bollywood."] Rediff.com 23 March 2011. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref><ref name="Tribune India (2003)">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm "Bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder."] Tribune India.com 27 April 2003. Accessed 3 June 2010.</ref> On 24 February 1999, the couple married in a traditional Maharashtrian [[Hindu wedding|Hindu ceremony]] at the Devgan home.<ref name="Srnivasan (1999)">Srnivasan V. [http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/25kaj.htm "Quietly were they wed."] Rediff.com 25 February 1999. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref><ref name="Bhattacharya (2010)">Bhattacharya R. [https://archive.is/20130125065853/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chunk-ht-ui-homepage-tab3-02/Kajol-Ajay-the-perfect-couple/515850/H1-Article1-513911.aspx "Kajol, Ajay the perfect couple."] Hindustan Times.com 28 February 2010. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref>


== Personal life ==
The couple has two children. Their daughter was born in 2003<ref name="Times of India (2003)">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-04-20/news-interviews/27274297_1_baby-girl-kajol-first-child "Kajol delivers baby girl."] Times of India.com 20 April 2003 Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref> and their son was born in 2010.<ref name="Times of India (2010)">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-13/news-interviews/28265481_1_baby-boy-ajay-devgn-congrats-ajay "Kajol, Ajay welcome baby boy."] Times of India 13 September 2010. Accessed 4 June 2002.</ref><ref>[http://tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm "It takes two tango bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030507210902/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm |date=7 May 2003 }} The Sunday Tribune.com, India 27 April 2003. Accessed 27 April 2003.</ref><ref name="Tribune India (2003)"/> Devgn and Kajol stored their newborn son's umbilical cord blood and tissues to act as a source of stem cells in case of serious ailment.<ref>[http://bolly.sawfnews.com/actor.aspx?id=2 "Ajay Devgan's life."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818162212/http://bolly.sawfnews.com/actor.aspx?id=2 |date=18 August 2012 }} Sawfnews.com</ref> In August 2009, Devgn changed the spelling of his surname [[Devgan]] to ''Devgn'', at the request of his family. He is a practicing [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] [[Hindu]] who prominently wears a [[Rudraksha]] which, along with other religious themes, features in his films.<ref>[https://mdaily.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-ajay-devgn-conducts-shiv-puja-in-jaipur-with-kajol-4153558-NOR.html/ Insight Into Religious Views] - Account of Religious Practices</ref><ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-om-namah-shivaya-for-ajay-devgn-and-sanjay-dutt-1652427/ Reliable Account of Personal Life] - Religious Information</ref><ref>Ghose D. [http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/happy-birthday-ajay-devgan/8799/ "Happy Birthday, Ajay Devgan; Golmaal Returns."] Bollywoodmantra.com 1 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://sawfnews.com/bollywood/49497.aspx "Ajay devgn gets birthday surprise on Rock 'n Roll sets."] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20120715102213/http://sawfnews.com/bollywood/49497.aspx |date=15 July 2012 }} Sawfnews.com Accessed 1 April 2008.</ref><ref>Sinha S. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Extra-marital-affairs-happen-Ajay-Devgn/articleshow/5185495.cms "xtra-marital affairs happen: Ajay Devgn."] The Times of India 1 November 2009. Accessed 21 October 2010.</ref> Devgn was the first [[Bollywood]] personality to own a private jet for transport to shooting locations, to promotions and for personal trips.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/Ajay-Devgan-buys-a-personal-aircraft/articleshow/6721631.cms "Ajay Devgn buys a personal aircraft."] The Times of India.com 10 October 2010.</ref>


=== Relationships and family ===
==Acting career==
Devgn began a relationship with the actress [[Karisma Kapoor]] while filming ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), however, the couple ended their relationship in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/CEL-when-ajay-devgn-left-karisma-kapoor-and-married-kajol-4305245-PHO.html |title=When Ajay Devgn left Karisma Kapoor and married Kajol |work=Daily Bhaskar |access-date=1 May 2016}}</ref> That same year, Devgn's relationship with the actress, [[Kajol]], began whilst they were co-starring in ''[[Gundaraj]]'' (1995).<ref name="India Today (2006)">{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html |title="After motherhood, Kajol returns in a role designed to unsettle filmdom's reigning deities." |access-date=9 December 2012 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005183624/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html |url-status=dead }} India Today 22 May 2006.</ref> The media called them "an unlikely pair" due to their contrasting personalities.<ref name="Rediff (2011)">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-happiest-marriages-in-bollywood/20110523.htm |title="The Happiest marriages in Bollywood."}} Rediff.com 23 March 2011. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref><ref name="Tribune India (2003)">{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm |title="Bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder."}} Tribune India.com 27 April 2003. Accessed 3 June 2010.</ref> On 24 February 1999, the couple married in a traditional Maharashtrian [[Hindu wedding|Hindu ceremony]] at the Devgan home.<ref name="Srnivasan (1999)">Srnivasan V. {{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/25kaj.htm |title="Quietly were they wed."}} Rediff.com 25 February 1999. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref><ref name="Bhattacharya (2010)">Bhattacharya R. {{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chunk-ht-ui-homepage-tab3-02/Kajol-Ajay-the-perfect-couple/515850/H1-Article1-513911.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125065853/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chunk-ht-ui-homepage-tab3-02/Kajol-Ajay-the-perfect-couple/515850/H1-Article1-513911.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-25 |title="Kajol, Ajay the perfect couple."}} Hindustan Times.com 28 February 2010. Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref> The couple has two children. Their daughter, Nysa, was born 20 April 2003<ref name="Times of India (2003)">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Kajol-delivers-baby-girl/articleshow/43996894.cms |title="Kajol delivers baby girl." |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002172623/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-04-20/news-interviews/27274297_1_baby-girl-kajol-first-child |archive-date=2 October 2013}} Times of India.com 20 April 2003 Accessed 4 June 2012.</ref> and their son, Yug, was born 13 September 2010.<ref name="Times of India (2010)">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Kajol-Ajay-welcome-baby-boy/articleshow/6545239.cms |title="Kajol, Ajay welcome baby boy." |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002111149/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-13/news-interviews/28265481_1_baby-boy-ajay-devgn-congrats-ajay |archive-date=2 October 2013}} Times of India 13 September 2010. Accessed 4 June 2002.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm |title="It takes two tango bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder." |access-date=25 August 2010 |archive-date=7 May 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030507210902/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm |url-status=dead }} The Sunday Tribune.com, India 27 April 2003. Accessed 27 April 2003.</ref><ref name="Tribune India (2003)" /> Devgn and Kajol stored their newborn son's umbilical cord blood and tissues to act as a source of stem cells in case of serious ailment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bolly.sawfnews.com/actor.aspx?id=2 |title="Ajay Devgan's life." |access-date=13 September 2012 |archive-date=18 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818162212/http://bolly.sawfnews.com/actor.aspx?id=2 |url-status=dead }} Sawfnews.com</ref>
{{See also|Ajay Devgn filmography}}


===1990s===
=== Religion ===
He is a practicing [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] [[Hindu]] who prominently wears a [[Rudraksha]] which, along with other religious themes, features in his films.<ref>{{cite web |title=Insight Into Religious Views |url=https://mdaily.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-ajay-devgn-conducts-shiv-puja-in-jaipur-with-kajol-4153558-NOR.html/}} – Account of Religious Practices</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reliable Account of Personal Life |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-om-namah-shivaya-for-ajay-devgn-and-sanjay-dutt-1652427/}} – Religious Information</ref><ref>Ghose D. {{cite web |title="Happy Birthday, Ajay Devgan; Golmaal Returns." |url=http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/happy-birthday-ajay-devgan/8799/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614202838/https://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/happy-birthday-ajay-devgan/8799/ |archive-date=14 June 2021 |access-date=9 April 2013}} Bollywoodmantra.com 1 April 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title="Ajay devgn gets birthday surprise on Rock 'n Roll sets." |url=http://sawfnews.com/bollywood/49497.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715102213/http://sawfnews.com/bollywood/49497.aspx |archive-date=15 July 2012 |access-date=25 August 2010}} Sawfnews.com Accessed 1 April 2008.</ref><ref>Sinha S. {{cite news |date=November 2009 |title="xtra-marital affairs happen: Ajay Devgn." |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Extra-marital-affairs-happen-Ajay-Devgn/articleshow/5185495.cms |website=[[The Times of India]]}} The Times of India 1 November 2009. Accessed 21 October 2010.</ref>
In 1991, Devgn began his professional career in ''[[Phool Aur Kaante]]'' and received a [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut]].<ref name="Box Office (1991)">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ%3D%3D "Box Office 1991.'] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007</ref><ref>Wire S. [http://thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html "Ajay Devgan a versatility expert."] Thaindian.com Accessed 7 June 2010.</ref> He costarred with [[Madhoo]].<ref name="1992 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=198&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D "Box Office 1992."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2009.</ref> In his opening scene, Devgn performed a [[Split (gymnastics)|split]] while balancing between two motorcycles. His next film was ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), a Bollywood [[martial arts film]] co-starring [[Karisma Kapoor]]. It was released on [[Diwali]] weekend and became the seventh-highest-grossing movie of that year, taking {{INRConvert|7|c}} at the [[box office]].<ref name="1992 BO"/>


He visits [[Ajmer Sharif]], a [[Sufi shrine]], every year, and says that he also keeps the [[Fasting during Ramadan|Ramadan fast]] as a sign of [[Secularism in India|secularism]] and respect when he's with a Muslim artist or crew staff during a film shooting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaturvedi |first=Anshul |date=29 January 2017 |title=Ajay Devgn: I can vouch for the entire industry ' we don't remember our religion on set |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-i-can-vouch-for-the-entire-industry-we-dont-remember-our-religion-on-set/articleshow/55070885.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211103927/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-i-can-vouch-for-the-entire-industry-we-dont-remember-our-religion-on-set/articleshow/55070885.cms |archive-date=11 December 2024 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
In 1993, Devgn starred in ''[[Dil Hai Betaab]]'', a movie about a love triangle and romantic themes such as revenge. He next featured in ''[[Divya Shakti]]''<ref>[http://bollybusiness.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/ajay-devgan-successful-movies-list/ "Ajay Devgan : Successful Movies List."] Bollybusiness.wordpress.com.</ref> and then ''[[Sangram (1993 film)|Sangram]]'', a story of enmity between two fathers.<ref name="ReferenceC">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw%3D%3D "Box Office 1993."] Box Office India.com 1993</ref> Devgan then worked with [[Deepak Bahry]], who directed the action film ''[[Ek Hi Raasta (1993 film)|Ek Hi Raasta]]'',<ref name="1993 BO">[http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.phpitemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw== "Box Office 1993."] Box Office India.com Accessed 20 April 2008.{{dead link|date=January 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080410191229/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw%3D%3D "Box Office 1993 archive."] Archive.org 10 April 2008.</ref> and with Deepak Pawar, who directed ''[[Platform (1993 film)|Platform]]''. Other releases that year were ''[[Shaktiman (1993 film)|Shaktiman]]'', ''[[Dhanwan (1993 film)|Dhanwan]]'' and ''[[Bedardi]]''.


=== Name change ===
In 1994, Devgn starred in [[Harry Baweja]]'s romantic action movie ''[[Dilwale (1994 film)|Dilwale]]''. He played the part of Arun Saxena, a man with intellectual impairment. The movie was the tenth-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=200&catName=MTk5NA%3D%3D "Box Office 1994."] Box Office India.com.</ref> His next release was ''[[Kanoon]]'' and then Kuku Kohli's ''[[Suhaag (1994 film)|Suhaag]]'' with Akshay Kumar. The movie was about two friends. Devgn played Ajay Sharma/Malhotra. ''Suhaag'' was the seventh-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1"/> His next film was ''[[Vijaypath]]''. Shooting dates for ''Vijaypath'' clashed with those of ''[[Karan Arjun]]'' which Devgn declined. ''Vijaypath'' was the eighth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1"/>
In August 2009, Devgn changed the spelling of his surname [[Devgan]] to ''Devgn'', at the request of his family.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/gupshup/2009/ajay-changes-name-260809.html |title=Ajay Devgan drops A off his name |last=J |first=Upala |date=26 August 2009 |website=FilmiBeat |language=en |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref>


=== Private jet ===
In 1995, Devgn appeared in [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s movie ''[[Naajayaz]]'' and then ''[[Hulchul (1995 film)|Hulchul]]'' directed by Milan Luthria. Kajol co-starred.<ref name="boxofficeindia2">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201&catName=MTk5NQ%3D%3D "Box Office 1995."] Box Office India.com.</ref> Devgn and Kajol then appeared in ''[[Gundaraj]]'' which did not perform well at the box office.<ref name="boxofficeindia2"/> His next release was ''[[Haqeeqat (1995 film)|Haqeeqat]]''<ref name="boxofficeindia2"/> costarring with Tabu. This film was the eleventh-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia2"/>
Devgn was the first [[Bollywood]] personality to own a private jet for transport to shooting locations, to promotions and for personal trips.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/Ajay-Devgan-buys-a-personal-aircraft/articleshow/6721631.cms |title="Ajay Devgn buys a personal aircraft."|newspaper=The Economic Times }} The Times of India.com 10 October 2010.</ref>


== Career ==
In 1996, Devgn starred in the action movie ''[[Jung (1996 film)|Jung]]'' with Mithun Chakraborty, [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] and [[Aditya Pancholi]]. His next release was an action movie called ''[[Jaan (film)|Jaan]]'',<ref name="boxofficeindia3">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=202&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D "Box Office 1996."] Box Office India.com.</ref> with Twinkle Khanna. He then starred in [[Harry Baweja]]'s film ''[[Diljale]]'', where he played a terrorist character called Shaka.<ref name="boxofficeindia3"/>
{{See also|Ajay Devgn filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Ajay Devgn|l2=awards and nominations}}


=== Rise to stardom (1991–99) ===
In 1997, Devgn starred in a poorly received movie, ''[[Itihaas (1997 film)|Itihaas]]'', with Twinkle Khanna. His next release was [[Indra Kumar]]'s romantic comedy ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|Ishq]]'' with [[Aamir Khan]], [[Juhi Chawla]] and [[Kajol]]. In this successful film, Devgn played Ajay, a rich boy in love with a poor girl, (Kajol).<ref name="1997 BO"/> The film grossed {{INRConvert|30|c}}. The film was the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="1997 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120124132838/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Ng== "Box Office 1997."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw%3D%3D "Box Office 1997."] Box Office India.com.</ref>
As Devgn entered the film industry in 1991, he changed his stage name from his birth name, Vishal, to "Ajay" due to several other actors named Vishal being launched at the same time, including [[Manoj Kumar]]'s son.<ref name="Vishal" /> He began his professional career alongside [[Madhoo]] in the action romance ''[[Phool Aur Kaante]]'', which earned him the [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut]].<ref name="Box Office (1991)">{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ%3D%3D |title="Box Office 1991.' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007</ref><ref>Wire S. {{cite web |url=http://thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html |title="Ajay Devgan a versatility expert." |access-date=20 October 2012 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222045130/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ajay-devgn-a-versatility-expert_100376547.html |url-status=dead }} Thaindian.com Accessed 7 June 2010.</ref><ref name="1992 BO">{{cite web |title="Box Office 1992." |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=198&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=198&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2009.</ref> In his opening scene, Devgn performed a [[Split (gymnastics)|split]] while balancing between two motorcycles. His next film was ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), a Bollywood [[martial arts film]] co-starring [[Karisma Kapoor]]. It was released on [[Diwali]] weekend and became the seventh-highest-grossing film of that year, taking {{INRConvert|7|c}} at the [[box office]].<ref name="1992 BO" />


In 1998, Devgn gave a critically acclaimed performance in [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s drama, ''[[Zakhm]]'', and received his first [[National Film Award for Best Actor]]. In 1999, in ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'', Devgn played Vanraj, a man who tries to unite his wife with her lover. Devgn then starred in ''[[Major Saab]]'' with [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Sonali Bendre]] where he played the character of an army officer. The movie was successful and was the tenth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia4">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA== |title=Box Office 1998 |publisher=Box Office India |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA%3D%3D |archivedate=21 January 2011 }}</ref> He next starred with Kajol in [[Anees Bazmee]]'s second film, the romantic comedy ''[[Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha]]'', a remake of the Hollywood hit ''[[French Kiss (1995 film)|French Kiss]]''. It grossed {{formatnum:302500000}} [[Indian rupee]]s.<ref name="boxofficeindia4"/> Devgn's next release was [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s ''[[Zakhm]]''. The plot examines communal tension in Mumbai during riots. Devgn played a man who is fed up with religious conflict. Devgn won several awards for his performance, including the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] and the [[Star Screen Award for Best Actor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/screen-awards-best-actor-history/ |title=Screen Awards Best Actor: History |publisher=Indicine.com |date=20 January 2012}}</ref>
In 1993, Devgn starred in ''[[Dil Hai Betaab]]'', a film about a revengeful love triangle. He next featured in ''[[Divya Shakti]]'' and then ''[[Sangram (1993 film)|Sangram]]'', a story of enmity between two fathers.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw%3D%3D |title="Box Office 1993." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=199&catName=MTk5Mw%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com 1993</ref> Devgn then worked with [[Deepak Bahry]], who directed the action film ''[[Ek Hi Raasta (1993 film)|Ek Hi Raasta]]'',<ref name="ReferenceC" /> and with Deepak Pawar, who directed ''[[Platform (1993 film)|Platform]]''. Other releases that year were ''[[Shaktiman (1993 film)|Shaktiman]]'', ''[[Dhanwan (1993 film)|Dhanwan]]'' and ''Bedardi''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaktimaan - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3896 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=30 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dhanwaan Movie: Review {{!}} Release Date (1993) {{!}} Songs {{!}} Music {{!}} Images {{!}} Official Trailers {{!}} Videos {{!}} Photos {{!}} News |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dhanwan-2/ |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=10 December 1993 |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bedardi Movie: Showtimes, Review, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos {{!}} eTimes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/bedardi/movieshow/61319356.cms |access-date=30 December 2022 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=12 November 1993}}</ref>


In 1994, Devgn starred in [[Harry Baweja]]'s romantic action film ''[[Dilwale (1994 film)|Dilwale]]''. He played the part of Arun Saxena, a man with intellectual impairment. The movie was the tenth-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=200&catName=MTk5NA%3D%3D |title="Box Office 1994." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=200&catName=MTk5NA%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com.</ref> His next release was ''[[Kanoon]]'' and then Kuku Kohli's ''[[Suhaag (1994 film)|Suhaag]]'' with Akshay Kumar. The film was about two friends. Devgn played Ajay Sharma/Malhotra. ''Suhaag'' was the seventh-highest-grossing movie of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia1" /> His next film was ''[[Vijaypath]]''. Shooting dates for ''Vijaypath'' clashed with those of ''[[Karan Arjun]]'' which Devgn declined. ''Vijaypath'' was the eighth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3090|title=Vijaypath (1994)}}</ref>
In 1999, Devgn starred in the romantic drama ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'', in which he played Vanraj, a man who tries to help his wife ([[Aishwarya Rai]]) reunite with her lover ([[Salman Khan]]). [[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]] marked a significant turning point in Devgan's career. The film, an adaptation of [[Maitreyi Devi]]'s Bengali novel ''[[Na Hanyate]]'', was directed by [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]] and co-starred [[Salman Khan]] and [[Aishwarya Rai]]. Devgn was highly praised for his performance. Rediff said: "Ajay's role reminds you of one he did in another film, ''Pyar Tho Hona Hi Tha''. There he is searching for the boyfriend of the girl he secretly loves. But intense scenes are his forte and he does well here. He's particularly good in the scene where he gets exasperated with his wife's stubbornness and strives to keep his cool."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/jun/17hum.htm |title=Rediff on the NeT, Movies: The review of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |publisher=Rediff.com |date=17 June 1999}}</ref> The movie was successful and Devgan was nominated for the Filmfare best actor award. After that, he appeared in ''[[Hindustan Ki Kasam]]'' with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre.<ref name="boxofficeindia5">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ== |title=Box Office 1999 |publisher=Box Office India |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ%3D%3D |archivedate=21 January 2011 }}</ref> He then worked with the director Milan Luthria in ''[[Kachche Dhaage]]'', with Saif Ali Khan and Manisha Koirala. The movie was a box-office hit.<ref name="boxofficeindia5"/> He then performed in the successful movie ''[[Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet]]'', a romantic comedy,<ref name="boxofficeindia5"/> and then in his home production movie with Kajol, and director, Prakash Jha. The film was titled ''[[Dil Kya Kare]]''. His other movies in 1999 were ''[[Gair (film)|Gair]]'' and ''[[Thakshak]]'' in which he played a strong, silent man.


In 1995, Devgn appeared alongside [[Juhi Chawla]] in [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s ''[[Naajayaz]]'', which earned him his first nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor]], followed by ''[[Hulchul (1995 film)|Hulchul]]'' directed by Milan Luthria, alongside Kajol.<ref name="boxofficeindia2">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201&catName=MTk5NQ%3D%3D |title="Box Office 1995." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201&catName=MTk5NQ%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com.</ref> Devgn and Kajol then appeared in ''[[Gundaraj]]'' which did not perform well at the box office.<ref name="boxofficeindia2" /> His next release was ''[[Haqeeqat (1995 film)|Haqeeqat]]''<ref name="boxofficeindia2" /> co-starring with Tabu. This film was the eleventh-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia2" />
===2000s===
[[File:Ajay Devgan promote at All The Best promotions (3).jpg|thumb|upright|Devgan during the promotions of ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins]]'' (2009)]]
In 2000, Devgn performed in [[Harry Baweja]]'s ''[[Deewane]]''. The film did not do well at the box office.<ref name="2000 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D "Box Office 2000."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> In the same year, Devgn starred in his first home production; ''[[Raju Chacha]]'', with Kajol. The film was moderately successful.<ref name="2000 BO"/>


In 2001, Devgn starred in another moderately successful film; ''[[Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke]]'' with [[Madhuri Dixit]] and [[Preity Zinta]].<ref name="BO 2001">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120117042738/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMA== "Box Office 2001."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> His next release was ''[[Lajja (2001 film)|Lajja]]'', with [[Manisha Koirala]], [[Madhuri Dixit]], [[Jackie Shroff]] and [[Anil Kapoor]]. He was nominated for the [[Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award]]. However, the film was not popular with the public.<ref name="BO 2001"/> [[Mahesh Manjrekar]]'s ''[[Tera Mera Saath Rahen]]'' followed.
In 1996, Devgn starred in the action movie ''[[Jung (1996 film)|Jung]]'' with Mithun Chakraborty, [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] and [[Aditya Pancholi]]. His next release was an action movie called ''[[Jaan (film)|Jaan]]'',<ref name="boxofficeindia3">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=202&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D |title="Box Office 1996." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=202&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com.</ref> with [[Twinkle Khanna]]. He then starred in [[Harry Baweja]]'s film ''[[Diljale]]'', where he played a terrorist character called Shaka.<ref name="boxofficeindia3" />


In 1997, Devgn starred in a poorly -eceived movie, ''[[Itihaas (1997 film)|Itihaas]]'', with Twinkle Khanna. His next release was [[Indra Kumar]]'s romantic comedy ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|Ishq]]'' with [[Aamir Khan]], [[Juhi Chawla]] and [[Kajol]]. In this successful film, Devgn played Ajay, a rich boy in love with a poor girl, played by Kajol.<ref name="1997 BO" /> The film grossed {{INRConvert|30|c}} and emerged as the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="1997 BO">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Ng== |title="Box Office 1997." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124132838/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Ng== |archive-date=24 January 2012}} Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw%3D%3D |title="Box Office 1997." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com.</ref>
In 2002, Devgn performed in [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s fictional examination of the [[Mumbai underworld]] in the film ''[[Company (film)|Company]]''. Devgn played a gangster named Malik. Both ''Company'' and Devgn's performance received critical acclaim. As [[Taran Adarsh]] reviewed: "Ajay Devgn enacts his role to perfection. A controlled performance, the actor takes to this complex character like a fish takes to water. He underplays his part with admirable ease."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/55963 "Company (2002)."] Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> Devgan was nominated for the [[Filmfare Best Actor Award]] and won the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="2002 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120117054557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=208&catName=MjAwMA== "Box Office 2002."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> Devgn's next release was [[David Dhawan]]'s comedy ''[[Hum Kisise Kum Nahin]]'', with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Sanjay Dutt]] and [[Aishwarya Rai]].<ref name="2002 BO"/> The same year, he played the role of [[Bhagat Singh]], in [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s biopic ''[[The Legend of Bhagat Singh]]''.<ref name="smashits">Jindani A. [http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/1495/ajay-to-play-coveted-shaheed-bhagat-singh-role.html "Ajay to play coveted shaheed bhagat singh role."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716093536/http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/1495/ajay-to-play-coveted-shaheed-bhagat-singh-role.html |date=16 July 2011 }} Smashits.com.</ref> His performance was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said, "Ajay Devgn has lived the role. To state that he is excellent would be an understatement. His performance is bound to win admiration from cinegoers, besides fetching awards."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201789 "The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)."] Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> The film was released on 7 June 2002 and went on to win two [[National Film Awards (India)|National Film Awards]], including the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi]], and three [[Filmfare Awards]], including the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie]]. Despite these awards, and Devgn winning his second [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] for his performance, the film was not popular with the public.<ref name="2002 BO"/> Devgn went on to perform in [[Anees Bazmee]]'s ''[[Deewangee]]''. The film was partially inspired by [[William Diehl]]'s novel, ''[[Primal Fear (novel)|Primal Fear]]''. The film earned Devgn several awards for his role including a [[Filmfare Best Villain Award]], the [[Star Screen Award for Best Villain]] and the [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role]]. The film was a success at the box office.<ref name="2002 BO"/>


In 2003, Devgn starred in Ram Gopal Verma's horror film ''[[Bhoot (film)|Bhoot]]'', opposite [[Urmila Matondkar]]. The film was appreciated critically and performed well at the box office.<ref name="2003 BO">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=209&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D "Box Office 2003."] Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> He then starred in the action thriller ''[[Qayamat: City Under Threat]]'' with the actress debutante, [[Neha Dhupia]]. The film was a commercial success.<ref name="2003 BO"/> Devgn next performed in [[Milan Luthria]]'s romantic film ''[[Chori Chori]]'', opposite [[Rani Mukherji]] and [[Sonali Bendre]]. This film did not succeed at the box office.<ref name="2003 BO"/>
In 1998, Devgn starred in ''[[Major Saab]]'' with [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Sonali Bendre]] where he played the character of an army officer. The movie was successful and was the tenth-highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="boxofficeindia4">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA== |title=Box Office 1998 |website=Box Office India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}}</ref> He next starred with Kajol in [[Anees Bazmee]]'s second film, the romantic comedy ''[[Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha]]'', a remake of the 1995 American film ''[[French Kiss (1995 film)|French Kiss]]''. It grossed {{INRConvert|30.25|c}}.<ref name="boxofficeindia4" /> Devgn's next release was [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s drama ''[[Zakhm]]'', which examines communal tension in Mumbai during riots. Devgn played a man who is fed up with religious conflict. Devgn won several awards for his critically acclaimed performance, including the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] and the [[Screen Award for Best Actor]], in addition to his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/screen-awards-best-actor-history/ |title=Screen Awards Best Actor: History |publisher=Indicine.com |date=20 January 2012}}</ref>
Devgn's next release of the year was [[Prakash Jha]]'s ''[[Gangaajal]]''. The film was set in the time of the [[1980 Bhagalpur blindings|blinding incident]] in [[Bhagalpur]], Bihar. Rediff.com said, "Ajay Devgan pulls up an ace with a part tailormade to reinforce his seething-under-the-surface angry hero image. To his credit (and the director's), he brings style and grace to a largely stereotypical, righteous protagonist. To a great extent, his presence covers up the film's patchiness in the second half."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/aug/29gangaa.htm "Another ace for Ajay!"] Rediff.com Accessed 29 August 2003.</ref> Devgn was nominated for the [[Filmfare Best Actor Award]] for this performance. He then worked in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s directional debut ''[[Zameen (2003 film)|Zameen]]''<ref>Verma S. [http://rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/25rohit.htm "Directed by Rohit Shetty!"] Rediff.com 25 September 2003.</ref> and [[J. P. Dutta]]'s war film ''[[LOC Kargil]]''.


In 1999, Devgn starred in the musical romance ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'', in which he played Vanraj, a man who tries to help his wife ([[Aishwarya Rai]]) reunite with her lover ([[Salman Khan]]). ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' marked a significant turning point in Devgn's career. The film, an adaptation of [[Maitreyi Devi]]'s Bengali novel ''[[Na Hanyate]]'', was directed by [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]] and co-starred [[Salman Khan]] and [[Aishwarya Rai]]. Devgn's performance received positive reviews from critics. ''[[Rediff]]'' said: "Ajay's role reminds you of one he did in another film, ''Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha''. There he is searching for the boyfriend of the girl he secretly loves. But intense scenes are his forte and he does well here. He's particularly good in the scene where he gets exasperated with his wife's stubbornness and strives to keep his cool."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/jun/17hum.htm |title=Rediff on the NeT, Movies: The review of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |work=Rediff.com |date=17 June 1999}}</ref> The film proved to be a commercial success and earned Devgn his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. After that, he appeared in ''[[Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999 film)|Hindustan Ki Kasam]]'' with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre.<ref name="boxofficeindia5">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ== |title=Box Office 1999 |website=Box Office India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}}</ref> He then worked with the director Milan Luthria in ''[[Kachche Dhaage]]'', with Saif Ali Khan and Manisha Koirala. The movie was a box-office hit.<ref name="boxofficeindia5" /> He then performed in the successful movie ''[[Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet]]'', a romantic comedy,<ref name="boxofficeindia5" /> and then in his home production movie with Kajol, and director, Prakash Jha. The film was titled ''[[Dil Kya Kare]]''. His other movies in 1999 were ''[[Gair (film)|Gair]]'' and ''[[Thakshak]]'' in which he played a strong, silent man.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gair |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gair |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |author-link=Anupama Chopra |title=Movie review: Thakshak, starring Ajay Devgan, Tabu, Rahul Bose |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/19991213-movie-review-thakshak-starring-ajay-devgan-tabu-rahul-bose-781386-1999-09-12 |access-date=30 December 2022 |work=[[India Today]] |date=December 13, 1999 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2004, Devgn was cast with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Aishwarya Rai]] and [[Akshay Kumar]] in [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s action thriller ''[[Khakee]]''. The film was released on 23 January 2004. It received positive reviews and became one of the highest-grossing films of 2004.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA%3D%3D "Box Office 2004."] Box Office India.com.</ref> In ''Khakee'', Devgn once again played a villain. His performance as a police officer turned murderer was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said: "Ajay Devgan adds yet another feather in his cap with a performance that could've been played only by a master performer. His confrontations with Amitabh Bachchan are exemplary."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/54532 "Khakee (2004)."] Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> Later in 2004, Devgn appeared in [[Indra Kumar]]'s ''[[Masti: Sanam Teri Kasam]]''. He also starred in ''[[Yuva]]''.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382383/ "Yuva (2004)"]. IMDb 22 May 2004.</ref><ref>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-18/india/27887602_1_iitians-bharat-punarnirman-dal-politics "Bollywood-inspired IITians eyeing polls.'] The Times of India.com 18 January 2007 Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/yuva/ "Yuva."] Rotten Tomatoes.com. Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref>


=== Career fluctuations and critical acclaim (2000–09) ===
Devgn next collaborated with [[Rituparno Ghosh]] in the relationship drama ''[[Raincoat (film)|Raincoat]]'', with Aishwaraya Rai. The film is an adaptation of [[O. Henry]]'s ''[[The Gift of the Magi]]''. ''Raincoat'' met with wide critical acclaim and won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi]].<ref name="Rediff 2004">[http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm "Rain coat is simply beautiful."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050743/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm |date=6 April 2009 }} Rediff.com Accessed 9 March 2009.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050743/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm "Rain coat is simply beautiful."] Archive.org 6 April 2009.</ref> Devgn was praised for his performance. Rediff said: "Hesitation, desperation, humiliation – Ajay Devgn conveys them eloquently. His Manoj is no cool dude, but just another lower middle-class guy in misery, with whom none would like to switch place. He particularly stands out in the scenes where he cries in the bathroom, or begs Neeru not to marry someone else."<ref name="Rediff 2004"/> In 2004, Devgn was also seen in a cameo appearance in ''[[Taarzan: The Wonder Car]]''.
In 2000, Devgn performed in [[Harry Baweja]]'s ''[[Deewane]]''. The film did not do well at the box office.<ref name="2000 BO">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D |title="Box Office 2000." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> In the same year, Devgn starred in his first home production; ''[[Raju Chacha]]'', with Kajol. The film was moderately successful.<ref name="2000 BO" />


In 2001, Devgn starred in another moderately successful film; ''[[Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke]]'' with [[Madhuri Dixit]] and [[Preity Zinta]].<ref name="BO 2001">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMA== |title="Box Office 2001." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117042738/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMA== |archive-date=17 January 2012}} Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> His next release was ''[[Lajja (2001 film)|Lajja]]'', with [[Manisha Koirala]], [[Madhuri Dixit]], [[Jackie Shroff]] and [[Anil Kapoor]]. His performance was positively received and earned him his first nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor]]. However, the film was commercially unsuccessful.<ref name="BO 2001" /> [[Mahesh Manjrekar]]'s ''[[Tera Mera Saath Rahen]]'' followed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tera Mera Saath Rahen - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=693 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=30 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Priyanka |title=rediff.com, Movies:The film review of Tera Mera Saath Rahen |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/15tera.htm |access-date=30 December 2022 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |date=November 15, 2001}}</ref>
2005 was a less successful year for Devgn. His movies were not financially successful. They included ''[[Insan]]'', ''[[Blackmail (2005 film)|Blackmail]]'', ''[[Main Aisa Hi Hoon]]'', ''[[Tango Charlie]]'' and ''[[Shikhar (film)|Shikhar]]''. However, the films ''[[Kaal]]'' and ''[[Apaharan]]'' did well. For his performance in ''Apaharan'', Devgn was nominated for the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] and the [[Filmfare Best Actor Award]]. His performance as a villain in ''Kaal'' also earned him a nomination for the [[Filmfare Best Villain Award]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085904/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ%3D%3D "Box Office 2005."] Archive.org 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref>
[[File:Ajay Devgn and Kangna Ranaut.jpg|thumb|upright|Devgan with [[Kangana Ranaut]] at success party of ''[[Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai]]'' in 2010]]
In 2006 Devgn played [[Othello]] in ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'', an Hindi adaptation of [[William Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Othello]]''. It was directed by [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]. The film is a tragedy of sexual jealousy set against the backdrop of the political system in [[Uttar Pradesh]]. It premiered at the [[2006 Cannes Film Festival]] and was screened at the [[Cairo International Film Festival]].<ref name="Omkara">Gajjar M. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/05/omkara_preview.shtml "Omkara."] BBC.co.uk May 2006. Accessed 19 May 2009</ref><ref>Roy, A. [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061206/asp/nation/story_7101465.asp "Omkara puzzle here, prize there."] The Telegraph, Calcutta. 6 December 2006. Accessed 8 July 2010.</ref> ''Omkara'' was well received by critics. Rediff said: "Othello is a tricky role, a leading man eclipsed by the villain. Yet the Moor is a brooding and compelling character, and Ajay Devgn does valiantly with his material. Omkara strips Othello of the racism, exchanging his black skin for surprisingly inconsequential half-Brahminism. Ajay's best bits are when restrained, and while there is a bit of a seen-that feel to his character, by the time the film is over, you realise just how unflinchingly solid he's been."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/02rs.htm "Why Omkara blew my mind."] Rediff.com 2 August 2006.</ref> Taran Adarsh said: "Ajay makes a stirring and powerful interpretation of a man haunted by uncertainty about his lover's faithfulness. The serious look that Ajay carries suits him to the T. Of course, Ajay is exceptional in the film and looks every inch the character he portrays."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201587 "Omkara"] Bollywood Hungama.</ref>


2002 proved to be a key year for Devgn as he starred in three films of contrasting genres. He first starred in [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s ''[[Company (2002 film)|Company]]'' which was a fictional examination of the [[Mumbai underworld]]. Devgn played a gangster named Malik. Both the film and Devgn's performance received critical acclaim. As [[Taran Adarsh]] reviewed: "Devgn enacts his role to perfection. A controlled performance, the actor takes to this complex character like a fish takes to water. He underplays his part with admirable ease."<ref>Adarsh T. {{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/55963 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218174413/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/55963 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 December 2012 |title="Company (2002)."|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] }} Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref><ref name="2002 BO">{{cite web |title="Box Office 2002." |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=208&catName=MjAwMA== |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117054557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=208&catName=MjAwMA== |archive-date=17 January 2012}} Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> Devgn's next release was [[David Dhawan]]'s comedy ''[[Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (2002 film)|Hum Kisise Kum Nahin]]'', with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Sanjay Dutt]] and [[Aishwarya Rai]].<ref name="2002 BO" /> The same year, he played the role of [[Bhagat Singh]], in [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s biopic ''[[The Legend of Bhagat Singh]]''.<ref name="smashits">Jindani A. {{cite web |url=http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/1495/ajay-to-play-coveted-shaheed-bhagat-singh-role.html |title="Ajay to play coveted shaheed bhagat singh role." |access-date=9 September 2010 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716093536/http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/1495/ajay-to-play-coveted-shaheed-bhagat-singh-role.html |url-status=dead }} Smashits.com.</ref> His performance was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said, "Devgn has lived the role. To state that he is excellent would be an understatement. His performance is bound to win admiration from cinegoers, besides fetching awards."<ref>Adarsh T. {{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201789 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102043413/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201789 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2013 |title="The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)."|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] }} Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> The film was released on 7 June 2002 and went on to win two [[National Film Awards]], including the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi]], and three [[Filmfare Awards]], including the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film|Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics)]]. Despite these awards, and Devgn winning his second [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] for his performance, the film was not popular with the public.<ref name="2002 BO" /> Devgn went on to perform in [[Anees Bazmee]]'s ''[[Deewangee]]''. The film was partially inspired by [[William Diehl]]'s novel, ''[[Primal Fear (novel)|Primal Fear]]''. The film was a success at the box office.<ref name="2002 BO" /> He jointly won the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor|Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics)]] for his performance in ''Company'' and ''The Legend of Bhagat Singh'', in addition to receiving his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for the former. For his performance in ''Deewangee'', he received several awards including the [[Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role|Filmfare Award for Best Villain]], the [[Screen Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role|Screen Award for Best Villain]] and the [[Zee Cine Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role|Zee Cine Award for Best Villain]].
In 2006, Devgn also starred in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s ''[[Golmaal (2006 film)|Golmaal]]''. It had two sequels ''[[Golmaal Returns]]'' and ''[[Golmaal 3]]''. In the same year, Devgn was featured in a short documentary about the [[Mumbai floods of 2005]] titled ''The Awakening''.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848620/ "The Awakening (2006)"]. ''IMDb''. 28 July 2006.</ref>


In 2003, Devgn starred in Ram Gopal Verma's horror film ''[[Bhoot (film)|Bhoot]]'', opposite [[Urmila Matondkar]]. The film was appreciated critically and performed well at the box office.<ref name="2003 BO">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=209&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D |title="Box Office 2003." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=209&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com Accessed 10 January 2007.</ref> He then starred in the action thriller ''[[Qayamat: City Under Threat]]'' with the actress debutante, [[Neha Dhupia]]. The film was a commercial success.<ref name="2003 BO" /> Devgn next performed in [[Milan Luthria]]'s romantic film ''[[Chori Chori (2003 film)|Chori Chori]]'', opposite [[Rani Mukherji]] and [[Sonali Bendre]]. This film did not succeed at the box office.<ref name="2003 BO" /> Devgn's next release of the year was [[Prakash Jha]]'s ''[[Gangaajal]]''. The film was set in the time of the [[1980 Bhagalpur blindings|blinding incident]] in [[Bhagalpur]], Bihar. Rediff.com said, "Ajay Devgan pulls up an ace with a part tailormade to reinforce his seething-under-the-surface angry hero image. To his credit (and the director's), he brings style and grace to a largely stereotypical, righteous protagonist. To a great extent, his presence covers up the film's patchiness in the second half."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/aug/29gangaa.htm |title="Another ace for Ajay!"}} Rediff.com Accessed 29 August 2003.</ref> Devgn received his fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film. He then worked in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s directional debut ''[[Zameen (2003 film)|Zameen]]''<ref>Verma S. {{cite web |url=http://rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/25rohit.htm |title="Directed by Rohit Shetty!"}} Rediff.com 25 September 2003.</ref> and [[J. P. Dutta]]'s war film ''[[LOC Kargil]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=LOC KARGIL (2003) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8878b620 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819125555/https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8878b620 |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 August 2019 |website=[[British Film Institute]] |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2007 Devgn starred in two movies, director [[Anubhav Sinha]]'s action thriller ''[[Cash (2007 film)|Cash]]'' and ''[[Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag]]''.


In 2008, Devgn performed in the [[social film]] ''[[Halla Bol]]'', directed by [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]. Also in the cast were [[Pankaj Kapoor]] and [[Vidya Balan]].<ref name="boxofficeindia.com">[http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA== "Box Office 2008."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102010804/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D |date=2 January 2010 }} Box Office India 2008.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085953/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D "Box Office 2008."] Box Office India.com Archived 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref> The film is based on the life of activist [[Safdar Hashmi]], who was killed in 1989 by political rivals while performing in the street play ''Halla Bol''.<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Halla-Bol-based-on-Safdar-Hashmi-Rajkumar-Santoshi/Article1-236270.aspx "Halla Bol based on Safdar Hashmi: Rajkumar Santoshi."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061603/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Halla-Bol-based-on-Safdar-Hashmi-Rajkumar-Santoshi/Article1-236270.aspx |date=21 September 2013 }} Hindustan Times 12 July 2007 Accessed 20 November 2012.</ref> The film received harsh reviews.<ref>Mohamed K. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-Halla-Bol/Article1-268739.aspx "Halla Bol."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908124627/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-Halla-Bol/Article1-268739.aspx |date=8 September 2013 }} Hindustan Times 11 January 2008 Accessed 9 January 2012.</ref>
In 2004, Devgn was cast with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Aishwarya Rai]] and [[Akshay Kumar]] in [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s action thriller ''[[Khakee]]''. The film was released on 23 January 2004. It received positive reviews and became one of the highest-grossing films of 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA%3D%3D |title="Box Office 2004." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA%3D%3D |archive-date=21 January 2011}} Box Office India.com.</ref> In ''Khakee'', Devgn once again played a villain. His performance as a police officer turned murderer was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said: "Ajay Devgan adds yet another feather in his cap with a performance that could've been played only by a master performer. His confrontations with Amitabh Bachchan are exemplary."<ref>Adarsh T. {{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/54532 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831153633/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/54532 |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 August 2012 |title="Khakee (2004)."|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] }} Bollywood Hungama.com.</ref> He received his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Villain for his performance in the film. Later in 2004, Devgn appeared in [[Indra Kumar]]'s ''[[Masti (2004 film)|Masti]]'' and [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Yuva]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382383/ |title="Yuva (2004)" |website=[[IMDb]]}}. 22 May 2004.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bollywood-inspired-IITians-eyeing-polls/articleshow/1260234.cms |title=Bollywood-inspired IITians eyeing polls.' |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018162148/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-18/india/27887602_1_iitians-bharat-punarnirman-dal-politics |archive-date=18 October 2012}} The Times of India.com 18 January 2007 Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/yuva/ |title="Yuva." |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}} Rotten Tomatoes.com. Accessed 30 July 2011.</ref>


Devgn next collaborated with [[Rituparno Ghosh]] in the relationship drama ''[[Raincoat (film)|Raincoat]]'', with Aishwaraya Rai. The film is an adaptation of [[O. Henry]]'s ''[[The Gift of the Magi]]''. ''Raincoat'' met with wide critical acclaim and won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi]].<ref name="Rediff 2004">{{cite web |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm |title="Rain coat is simply beautiful." |access-date=17 February 2013 |archive-date=6 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050743/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm |url-status=dead }} Rediff.com Accessed 9 March 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm |title="Rain coat is simply beautiful." |newspaper=Rediff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050743/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm |archive-date=6 April 2009 |last1=Verma |first1=Sukanya }} Archive.org 6 April 2009.</ref> Devgn was praised for his performance. Rediff said: "Hesitation, desperation, humiliation – Ajay Devgn conveys them eloquently. His Manoj is no cool dude, but just another lower middle-class guy in misery, with whom none would like to switch place. He particularly stands out in the scenes where he cries in the bathroom, or begs Neeru not to marry someone else."<ref name="Rediff 2004" /> In 2004, Devgn was also seen in a cameo appearance in ''[[Taarzan: The Wonder Car]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |author-link=Taran Adarsh |title=Taarzan – The Wonder Car Review 2.5/5 {{!}} Taarzan – The Wonder Car Movie Review {{!}} Taarzan – The Wonder Car 2004 Public Review {{!}} Film Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/taarzan-the-wonder-car/critic-review/taarzan-the-wonder-car-movie-review/ |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=6 August 2004 |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2008, Devgn also performed in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s third film ''[[Sunday (2008 film)|Sunday]]''.
He then took the lead role with Kajol in his own directorial debut film ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]''.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_u-me-aur-hum--straight-from-ajay-s-heart_1158229 "U, Me Aur Hum, straight from Ajay's heart."] DNA India.com 1 April 2008 Accessed 1 June 2012.</ref> The film performed moderately well at the box office and earned positive critical reviews for his performance as well as for his direction. Rediff said: "His character grows, discovers both shirt-buttons and subtlety, delivering an intense acting job. Speaking almost entirely in platitudes – pithy at first, profound as he goes on – this grows into an extraordinarily well-written character, replete with flaws and relatability. The way he treats his remorse, drunkenly pointing every finger at himself around a dinner table, is superbly handled, as is his guilty struggle to delineate his life experience from his professional opinion."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/11hum.htm "Ajay Devgan does well in U Me Aur Hum."] Rediff.com 11 April 2008.</ref> Devgn also made a cameo appearance in his brother [[Anil Devgan]]'s film ''[[Haal–e–dil]]''. He then starred in [[Afzal Khan (actor)|Afzal Khan]]'s ''[[Mehbooba (2008 film)|Mehbooba]]''.


2005 was a less successful year for Devgn, with all of his films not proving to be successful at the box office. His movies were not financially successful. They included ''[[Insan]]'', ''[[Blackmail (2005 film)|Blackmail]]'', ''[[Main Aisa Hi Hoon]]'', ''[[Tango Charlie]]'' and ''[[Shikhar (film)|Shikhar]]''. However, the films ''[[Kaal]]'' and ''[[Apaharan]]'' did well. His performance as a villain in ''Kaal'' also earned him his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Villain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ%3D%3D |title="Box Office 2005." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085904/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ%3D%3D |archive-date=8 July 2011}} Archive.org 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref>
Again in 2008, Devgn performed in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s comedy ''[[Golmaal Returns]]'', a sequel to the 2006 film ''[[Golmaal: Fun Unlimited]]'' about a mistrustful wife who believed her husband was unfaithful. ''[[The Indian Express]]'' said the screenplay was derivative, concluding: "There is nothing particularly new about a suspicious wife keeping tabs on her husband, and there is nothing particularly new in the way Ajay-Kareena play it."<ref>Gupta S. [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/golmaal-returns/379847/ "Golmaal Returns"] India Express.com 31 October 2008. Accessed 13 November 2008.</ref> ''Golmaal Returns'' was a financial success with global revenues of {{INRConvert|79.25|c}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D] "Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide." Box Office India.com web archive 2011</ref>


In 2006, Devgn played [[Othello]] in ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'', a Hindi adaptation of [[William Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Othello]]''. It was directed by [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]. The film is a tragedy of sexual jealousy set against the backdrop of the political system in [[Uttar Pradesh]]. It premiered at the [[2006 Cannes Film Festival]] and was screened at the [[Cairo International Film Festival]].<ref name="Omkara">Gajjar M. {{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/05/omkara_preview.shtml |title="Omkara."}} BBC.co.uk May 2006. Accessed 19 May 2009</ref><ref>Roy, A. {{cite web |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061206/asp/nation/story_7101465.asp |title="Omkara puzzle here, prize there." |access-date=17 February 2013 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024102206/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061206/asp/nation/story_7101465.asp |url-status=dead }} The Telegraph, Calcutta. 6 December 2006. Accessed 8 July 2010.</ref> ''Omkara'' was well received by critics. ''Rediff'' said: "Othello is a tricky role, a leading man eclipsed by the villain. Yet the Moor is a brooding and compelling character, and Ajay Devgn does valiantly with his material. Omkara strips Othello of the racism, exchanging his black skin for surprisingly inconsequential half-Brahminism. Ajay's best bits are when restrained, and while there is a bit of a seen-that feel to his character, by the time the film is over, you realise just how unflinchingly solid he's been."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/02rs.htm |title="Why Omkara blew my mind."}} Rediff.com 2 August 2006.</ref> Taran Adarsh said: "Ajay makes a stirring and powerful interpretation of a man haunted by uncertainty about his lover's faithfulness. The serious look that Ajay carries suits him to the T. Of course, Ajay is exceptional in the film and looks every inch the character he portrays."<ref>Adarsh T. {{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201587 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021162449/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201587 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2012 |title="Omkara"|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] }} Bollywood Hungama.</ref>
In 2009, Devgn produced his third film, ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins|All the Best]]'', directed by [[Rohit Shetty]]. It had some financial success.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-06-30 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060616/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ |archivedate=21 September 2013 |df=dmy-all }} Box Office India.com</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085958/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D "Box Office 2009."] Archive.org Archived 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref> Next, Devgn starred in [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah|Vipul Shah]]'s ''[[London Dreams]]'', with [[Salman Khan]] and the [[Tamil film]] star [[Asin]]. The film was not popular with the public.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>


In 2006, Devgn also starred in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s ''[[Golmaal (2006 film)|Golmaal]]''. It had two sequels ''[[Golmaal Returns]]'' and ''[[Golmaal 3]]''. In the same year, Devgn was featured in a short documentary about the [[Mumbai floods of 2005]] titled ''The Awakening''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848620/ |title="The Awakening (2006)" |website=[[IMDb]]}}. 28 July 2006.</ref>
===2010s===


In 2007, Devgn starred in two films, director [[Anubhav Sinha]]'s action thriller ''[[Cash (2007 film)|Cash]]'' and ''[[Aag (2007 film)|Aag]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cash |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cash |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ram-gopal-varma-ki-aag |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Both films proved to be critically and commercially unsuccessful.
In this decade, Devgn performed roles in ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai]]'' (2010), ''[[Golmaal 3]]'' (2010), ''[[Raajneeti]]'' (2010), ''[[Singham]]'' (2011), ''[[Bol Bachchan]]'' (2012), ''[[Son of Sardaar]]'' (2012), ''[[Singham Returns]]'' (2014) and [[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam (2015)]].<ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm "Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 17 August 2006.</ref><ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/08sld1.htm "The Powerlist: Top Bollywood Actors."] Rediff.com 8 August 2006.</ref><ref>[https://archive.is/20121209074403/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21931&z=9 "Box Office 2000s Decade in Review – Top Actors, Actresses and Directors: Final Tallies and Standings."] Ibosnetwork.com 19 January 2010.</ref>
In 2010, Devgn featured in the financially successful comedy ''[[Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?]]'' with [[Paresh Rawal]] and [[Konkona Sen Sharma]]. He then featured in [[Prakash Jha]]'s political thriller ''[[Rajneeti]]''. ''Raajneeti'' was released internationally on 4 June 2010, after some controversies regarding similarities between actual people and the characters in the film. There were also issues about the use of the national anthem in the film. The film was made with a budget of {{INRConvert|60|c}}<ref>Kotwani| H. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Can-Raajneeti-recover-its-Rs-60-crore-investment/Article1-552893.aspx "Can ''Raajneeti'' recover its Rs 60 crore investment?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608042755/http://www.hindustantimes.com/can-raajneeti-recover-its-rs-60-crore-investment/article1-552893.aspx |date=8 June 2010 }} Hindustan Times 4 June 2010. Accessed 21 June 2010.</ref> When the film was released, it had positive reviews and was financially successful.<ref name="BO-10">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001213/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=318&catName=MjAxMA%3D%3D "Box Office 2010."] Box Office India at Web Archive.com . Accessed 25 August 2011.</ref>
Again, in 2010, Devgn starred in [[Milan Luthria]]'s ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbai]]'', which was among the top-grossing films of that year.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131014094622/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=317&catName=MjAxMC0yMDE5 "Lifetime Grossers 2010–2019."] Box Office India at Web Archive.org. 2013.</ref> Both the film and Devgn's performance were well received by the critics. [[Taran Adarsh]] said: "Ajay Devgn is splendid as Sultan. The actor had enacted a similar role in ''Company'', but it must be said that his interpretation is so different in ''Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai''. He adds so much depth to the character, which only goes to prove his range and versatility. This is, without a trace of doubt, Ajay's finest work so far."<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/once-upon-a-time-in-mumbaai-review-an-outstanding-cinematic-experience-review-bollywood-14951073.html "Movie Review: Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai review: An outstanding cinematic experience!"] Sify.com.</ref> [[Komal Nahta]] said: "Ajay Devgn is simply fantastic in the role of Sultan Mirza. So real is his performance that it looks like he was born to play this role. Right from his look to his acting including dialogue-delivery, everything is fabulous. Indeed, an award-winning performance!"<ref>Nahta K. [http://www.koimoi.com/reviews/komal-nahtas-review-once-upon-a-time-in-mumbaai/ "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai."] Koimoi.com 30 July 2010.</ref>


In 2008, Devgn starred in the [[social film]] ''[[Halla Bol]]'', directed by [[Rajkumar Santoshi]], alongside [[Pankaj Kapoor]] and [[Vidya Balan]].<ref name="boxofficeindia.com">{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA== |title="Box Office 2008." |access-date=30 June 2011 |archive-date=2 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102010804/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D |url-status=dead }} Box Office India 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D |title="Box Office 2008." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085953/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D |archive-date=8 July 2011}} Box Office India.com Archived 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref> The film is based on the life of activist [[Safdar Hashmi]], who was killed in 1989 by political rivals while performing in the street play ''Halla Bol''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Halla-Bol-based-on-Safdar-Hashmi-Rajkumar-Santoshi/Article1-236270.aspx |title="Halla Bol based on Safdar Hashmi: Rajkumar Santoshi." |access-date=17 February 2013 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061603/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Halla-Bol-based-on-Safdar-Hashmi-Rajkumar-Santoshi/Article1-236270.aspx |url-status=dead }} Hindustan Times 12 July 2007 Accessed 20 November 2012.</ref> The film received negative reviews and was a flop at the box office.<ref>Mohamed K. {{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-Halla-Bol/Article1-268739.aspx |title="Halla Bol." |access-date=17 February 2013 |archive-date=8 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908124627/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-Halla-Bol/Article1-268739.aspx |url-status=dead }} Hindustan Times 11 January 2008 Accessed 9 January 2012.</ref> The same year, Devgn also starred in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s third film ''[[Sunday (2008 film)|Sunday]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sunday - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=183 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=30 December 2022}}</ref> He then took the lead role with Kajol in his own directorial debut film ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title="U, Me Aur Hum, straight from Ajay's heart." |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-u-me-aur-hum-straight-from-ajay-s-heart-1158229}} DNA India.com 1 April 2008 Accessed 1 June 2012.</ref> The film performed moderately well at the box office and earned positive critical reviews for his performance as well as for his direction. ''Rediff'' said: "His character grows, discovers both shirt-buttons and subtlety, delivering an intense acting job. Speaking almost entirely in platitudes – pithy at first, profound as he goes on – this grows into an extraordinarily well-written character, replete with flaws and relatability. The way he treats his remorse, drunkenly pointing every finger at himself around a dinner table, is superbly handled, as is his guilty struggle to delineate his life experience from his professional opinion."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/11hum.htm |title="Ajay Devgan does well in U Me Aur Hum."}} Rediff.com 11 April 2008.</ref> Devgn also made a cameo appearance in his brother [[Anil Devgan]]'s film ''[[Haal-e-Dil]]''. He then starred in [[Afzal Khan (actor)|Afzal Khan]]'s ''[[Mehbooba (2008 film)|Mehbooba]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mehbooba |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mehbooba |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Again in 2008, Devgn starred in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s comedy ''[[Golmaal Returns]]'', a sequel to the 2006 film ''[[Golmaal: Fun Unlimited]]'' about a mistrustful wife who believed her husband was unfaithful. ''[[The Indian Express]]'' said the screenplay was derivative, concluding: "There is nothing particularly new about a suspicious wife keeping tabs on her husband, and there is nothing particularly new in the way Ajay-Kareena play it."<ref>Gupta S. {{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/golmaal-returns/379847/ |title="Golmaal Returns"|date=31 October 2008 }} India Express.com 31 October 2008. Accessed 13 November 2008.</ref> ''Golmaal Returns'' was a financial hit with global revenues of {{INRConvert|80|c}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Golmaal Returns - Movie - Box Office India|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=311|access-date=2020-10-27|website=boxofficeindia.com}}</ref>
Devgn then starred in [[Priyadarshan]]'s action-thriller film ''[[Aakrosh (2010 film)|Aakrosh]]''. The movie explores the subject of [[honour killings]]. ''[[Aakrosh (2010 film)|Aakrosh]]'' received some positive reviews, but was financially unsuccessful. At the end of 2010, Devgn worked again with Rohit Shetty in [[Golmaal 3]], a sequel to ''Golmaal Returns'' (2008). Although, like its predecessor, the film received mixed reviews, it was the most successful of the ''Golmaal'' series, earning more than {{INRConvert|107|c}}.<ref>Bhattacharya R. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Golmaal-3-This-year-s-Diwali-cracker/Article1-624338.aspx "Golmaal 3: This year's Diwali cracker."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809051728/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Golmaal-3-This-year-s-Diwali-cracker/Article1-624338.aspx |date=9 August 2013 }} Hindustan Times.com 12 November 2010. Accessed 28 November 2010.</ref> Devgn also worked as a voice artist in ''[[Toonpur Ka Super Hero]]'', an animated film.


In 2009, Devgn produced his third film, ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins|All the Best]]'', directed by [[Rohit Shetty]]. It was a moderate commercial success.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060616/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ |archive-date=21 September 2013}} Box Office India.com</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D |title="Box Office 2009." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085958/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D |archive-date=8 July 2011}} Archive.org Archived 8 July 2011. Accessed 11 March 2013.</ref> Next, Devgn starred in [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah|Vipul Shah]]'s ''[[London Dreams]]'', with [[Salman Khan]] and the [[Tamil film]] star [[Asin]]. The film was not popular with the public.<ref name="ReferenceA" />
In 2011, Devgn performed with [[Emraan Hashmi]] in [[Madhur Bhandarkar]]'s comedy ''[[Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji]]''. He was a narrator in ''[[Yamla Pagla Deewana]]'' and also made a cameo appearance in ''[[Ready (2011 film)|Ready]]''. Devgn starred in Rohit Shetty's ''[[Singham]]''. Taran Adarsh said: "The title means 'Lion' and Ajay is in the centre of the battle between good and evil. Ajay is well known for the lines, "aataa maajhi satakli". The embodiment of screen masculinity, Ajay enacts the central character of a righteous, hardhearted cop with flourish. He brings alive on screen a larger-than-life hero character with determined conviction, which renders you thunderstruck. One of the few actors who underplays his part admirably, he returns to the over-the-top-action genre of films with this one. In a nutshell, his performance plays a pivotal role in carrying the film to the winning post."<ref>Adarsh T. [http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/542574 "Singham."] Bollywood Hungama.</ref> He then starred [[David Dhawan]]'s [[action comedy film]] ''[[Rascals (film)|Rascals]]''.<ref>[http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2010/10/28/14856/index.html "Sanjay Dutt starts Rascals tomorrow."] Bollywood Hungama.com 28 October 2010.</ref>


=== Resurgence and widespread success (2010–present) ===
In 2012, Devgn starred in ''[[Tezz]]'', directed by [[Priyadarshan]]. His co-stars were [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Boman Irani]], [[Kangana Ranaut]], [[Sameera Reddy]] and [[Zayed Khan]]. Devgan then starred in Rohit Shetty's film ''[[Bol Bachchan]]''. He then starred in ''[[Son Of Sardaar]]''.
[[File:Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty.jpg|thumb|upright|Devgn with [[Rohit Shetty]] at the success bash of ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai]]'' in 2010]]
[[File:Ajay Devgn and Kangana Ranaut.jpg|thumb|upright|Devgn with [[Kangana Ranaut]] at success party of ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai]]'' in 2010]]
In 2010, Devgn featured in the financially successful comedy ''[[Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?]]'' with [[Paresh Rawal]] and [[Konkona Sen Sharma]]. He then featured in [[Prakash Jha]]'s political thriller ''[[Raajneeti]]''. ''Raajneeti'' was released internationally on 4 June 2010, after some controversies regarding similarities between actual people and the characters in the film. There were also issues about the use of the national anthem in the film. The film was made with a budget of {{INRConvert|60|c}}<ref>Kotwani| H. {{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Can-Raajneeti-recover-its-Rs-60-crore-investment/Article1-552893.aspx |title="Can ''Raajneeti'' recover its Rs 60 crore investment?" |access-date=16 February 2013 |archive-date=8 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608042755/http://www.hindustantimes.com/can-raajneeti-recover-its-rs-60-crore-investment/article1-552893.aspx |url-status=dead }} Hindustan Times 4 June 2010. Accessed 21 June 2010.</ref> At release, it received positive reviews and emerged a superhit at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Raajneeti (2010)|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=89|publisher=Boxofficeindia.com|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref> Again, in 2010, Devgn starred in [[Milan Luthria]]'s ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai]]'', which was among the top-grossing films of that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=317&catName=MjAxMC0yMDE5 |title="Lifetime Grossers 2010–2019." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014094622/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=317&catName=MjAxMC0yMDE5 |archive-date=14 October 2013}} Box Office India at Web Archive.org. 2013.</ref> Both the film and Devgn's performance were well received by the critics. [[Taran Adarsh]] said: "Ajay Devgn is splendid as Sultan. The actor had enacted a similar role in ''Company'', but it must be said that his interpretation is so different in ''Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai''. He adds so much depth to the character, which only goes to prove his range and versatility. This is, without a trace of doubt, Ajay's finest work so far."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/once-upon-a-time-in-mumbaai-review-an-outstanding-cinematic-experience-review-bollywood-14951073.html |title="Movie Review: Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai review: An outstanding cinematic experience!" |website=[[Sify]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121154904/http://www.sify.com/movies/once-upon-a-time-in-mumbaai-review-an-outstanding-cinematic-experience-review-bollywood-14951073.html |archive-date=21 January 2014}} Sify.com.</ref> [[Komal Nahta]] said: "Ajay Devgn is simply fantastic in the role of Sultan Mirza. So real is his performance that it looks like he was born to play this role. Right from his look to his acting including dialogue-delivery, everything is fabulous. Indeed, an award-winning performance!"<ref>Nahta K. {{cite web |url=http://www.koimoi.com/reviews/komal-nahtas-review-once-upon-a-time-in-mumbaai/ |title="Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai."|date=30 July 2010 }} Koimoi.com 30 July 2010.</ref> The film earned him his sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.


Devgn then starred in [[Priyadarshan]]'s action-thriller film ''[[Aakrosh (2010 film)|Aakrosh]]''. The movie explores the subject of [[honour killings]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sharma |first=Sanjukta |title=Aakrosh {{!}} The burning of Jhanjhad |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/fUDK8FLdl1wkXEZdQED1xL/Aakrosh--The-burning-of-Jhanjhad.html |access-date=1 January 2023 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=15 October 2010 |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Aakrosh (2010 film)|Aakrosh]]'' received some positive reviews, but was financially unsuccessful. At the end of 2010, Devgn worked again with Rohit Shetty in ''[[Golmaal 3]]'', a sequel to ''Golmaal Returns'' (2008). Although, like its predecessor, the film received mixed reviews, it was the most successful of the ''Golmaal'' series, earning more than {{INRConvert|169|c}} and emerging a blockbuster.<ref>Bhattacharya R. {{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Golmaal-3-This-year-s-Diwali-cracker/Article1-624338.aspx |title="Golmaal 3: This year's Diwali cracker." |access-date=16 February 2013 |archive-date=9 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809051728/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Golmaal-3-This-year-s-Diwali-cracker/Article1-624338.aspx |url-status=dead }} Hindustan Times.com 12 November 2010. Accessed 28 November 2010</ref> Devgn also worked as a voice artist in ''[[Toonpur Ka Superrhero]]'', an animated film.<ref>{{cite web |title=Toonpur Ka Super Hero |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/toonpur_ka_superhero |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2013, Devgn featured in the critically and commercially unsuccessful remake of ''[[Himmatwala (2013 film)|Himmatwala]]''.<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.com/bollywood/news/a451255/ajay-devgan-promised-himmatwala-will-be-a-100-crore-hit-by-director.html "Ajay Devgan promised 'Himmatwala' will be a 100 crore hit."] Digital Spy.com 15 January 2013.</ref> Devgn next featured in [[Prakash Jha]]'s political drama ''[[Satyagraha – Democracy Under Fire|Satyagraha]]''.<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/90940.html "Ajay Devgn starts shooting for Prakash Jha's 'Satyagraha'."] Indiaglitz.com 13 February 2013.</ref>


In 2011, Devgn performed with [[Emraan Hashmi]] in [[Madhur Bhandarkar]]'s comedy ''[[Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji]]''. He was a narrator in ''[[Yamla Pagla Deewana]]'' and also made a cameo appearance in ''[[Ready (2011 film)|Ready]]''. Devgn starred in Rohit Shetty's ''[[Singham]]''. Taran Adarsh said: "The title means 'Lion' and Ajay is in the centre of the battle between good and evil. Ajay is well known for the lines, "''aataa maajhi satakli''". The embodiment of screen masculinity, Ajay enacts the central character of a righteous, hardhearted cop with flourish. He brings alive on screen a larger-than-life hero character with determined conviction, which renders you thunderstruck. One of the few actors who underplays his part admirably, he returns to the over-the-top-action genre of films with this one. In a nutshell, his performance plays a pivotal role in carrying the film to the winning post."<ref>Adarsh T. {{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/542574 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403153531/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/542574 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 April 2012 |title="Singham."|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] }} Bollywood Hungama.</ref> ''Singham'' earned him his seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He then starred [[David Dhawan]]'s [[action comedy film]] ''[[Rascals (2011 film)|Rascals]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/award/filmfare-award/2010-2/ |title="Sanjay Dutt starts Rascals tomorrow."|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=15 March 2016 }} Bollywood Hungama.com 28 October 2010.</ref>
[[File:Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'Cruz.jpg|thumb|left|Devgn and [[Ileana D'Cruz]] during trailer launch of their film ''[[Baadshaho]]'' (2017)]]


The following year, Devgn starred in ''[[Tezz]]'', directed by [[Priyadarshan]]. His co-stars were [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Boman Irani]], [[Kangana Ranaut]], [[Sameera Reddy]] and [[Zayed Khan]]. Devgn then starred in Rohit Shetty's film ''[[Bol Bachchan]]''. He then starred in ''[[Son of Sardaar]]''. In 2013, Devgn featured in the critically and commercially unsuccessful remake of ''[[Himmatwala (2013 film)|Himmatwala]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/bollywood/news/a451255/ajay-devgan-promised-himmatwala-will-be-a-100-crore-hit-by-director.html |title="Ajay Devgan promised 'Himmatwala' will be a 100 crore hit." |website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=15 January 2013 }} Digital Spy.com 15 January 2013.</ref> Devgn next featured in [[Prakash Jha]]'s political drama ''[[Satyagraha (film)|Satyagraha]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/90940.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215063413/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/90940.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2013 |title="Ajay Devgn starts shooting for Prakash Jha's 'Satyagraha'."}} Indiaglitz.com 13 February 2013.</ref>
In 2014, Devgn featured in Rohit Shetty's ''[[Singham Returns]]'', a sequel to ''[[Singham]]''.''Singham Returns'' received mixed reviews from Indian critics.<ref name="Reviews">{{cite web|title='Singham Returns' Movie Reviews: Typical Rohit Shetty's Film|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/singham-returns-movie-reviews-typical-rohit-shettys-film-606899|publisher=''[[International Business Times]]''|work=15 August 2014}}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] of ''Bollywood Hungama'' gave it 4 stars and said: "The film is a complete mass entertainer with power-packed drama, hi-intensity dialogue and towering performances as its aces. The brand value attached to it coupled with a long weekend will help the film reap a harvest and rule the box office in days to come.".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/673370 | title=Singham Returns | publisher=Bollywood Hungamam | date=15 August 2014 | accessdate=15 August 2014 | author=Adarsh, Taran}}{{Rating|4|5}}</ref> Collection of over {{INRConvert|32.09|c}} on the first day of its release in India. Domestic net of ''Singham Returns'' are {{INRConvert|140.62|c}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/673370|title=Singham Returns|author=Bollywood Hungama|publisher=}}</ref> Devgn next featured in [[Prabhu Deva]]'s ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' which did not perform well at box office.<ref>[http://www.ibnlive.com/news/action-jackson-review-the-film-is-an-orgy-of-bloody-fight-scenes/516632-47-84.html 'Action Jackson' review: The film is an orgy of bloody fight scenes].IBN live. [[Rajeev Masand]]. 5 December 2014. {{Rating|1|5}}</ref>


In 2014, Devgn featured in Rohit Shetty's ''[[Singham Returns]]'', a sequel to ''[[Singham]]''. ''Singham Returns'' received mixed reviews from Indian critics.<ref name="Reviews">{{cite web |title='Singham Returns' Movie Reviews: Typical Rohit Shetty's Film |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/singham-returns-movie-reviews-typical-rohit-shettys-film-606899 |publisher=[[International Business Times]] |work=15 August 2014|date=15 August 2014 }}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] of ''Bollywood Hungama'' gave it 4 stars and said: "The film is a complete mass entertainer with power-packed drama, hi-intensity dialogue and towering performances as its aces. The brand value attached to it coupled with a long weekend will help the film reap a harvest and rule the box office in days to come.".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/673370 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511061650/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/673370 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 May 2014 |title=Singham Returns |website=Bollywood Hungamam |date=15 August 2014 |access-date=15 August 2014 |author=Adarsh, Taran}}{{Rating|4|5}}</ref> Collection of over {{INRConvert|32.09|c}} on the first day of its release in India. Domestic net of ''Singham Returns'' are {{INRConvert|140.62|c}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/673370 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511061646/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/673370 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 May 2014 |title=Singham Returns |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] }}</ref> Devgn next featured in [[Prabhu Deva]]'s ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' which did not perform well at box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/action-jackson-review-the-film-is-an-orgy-of-bloody-fight-scenes/516632-47-84.html |title='Action Jackson' review: The film is an orgy of bloody fight scenes}}.IBN live. [[Rajeev Masand]]. 5 December 2014. {{Rating|1|5}}</ref>
In 2015, Devgn starred in [[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam]], directed by Nishikant Kamat. The film received positive reviews, Meena Iyer of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the film four out of five stars, describing it as "A suspense drama with a nail-biting finish." She praised Devgan's performances: "Ajay, who is the prey here, shines in his role of the protective father.".<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Meena Iyer]] |url=http://www.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Drishyam/movie-review/48279405.cms|title=Drishyam Movie Review}}</ref> The film was successful at the box office, by the end of its sixth week, the film had grossed about {{INRConvert|76.48|c}} at the domestic box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/drishyam-6th-week-box-office-collections/|title=Drishyam : 6th Week Box Office Collections|date=11 September 2015|publisher=}}</ref>


In 2015, Devgn starred in ''[[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam]]'', directed by Nishikant Kamat. The film received positive reviews, Meena Iyer of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the film four out of five stars, describing it as "A suspense drama with a nail-biting finish." She praised Devgn's performances: "Ajay, who is the prey here, shines in his role of the protective father.".<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Meena Iyer]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Drishyam/movie-review/48279405.cms |title=Drishyam Movie Review |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The film was successful at the box office, by the end of its sixth week, the film had grossed about {{INRConvert|76.48|c}} at the domestic box office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-19 |title=Ajay Devgn's 'Drishyam' completes 50 days at box office |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ajay-devgns-drishyam-completes-50-days-at-box-office/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
In 2016, Devgn was seen in his own production, ''[[Shivaay (film)|Shivaay]]'', which released around Diwali 2016. ''Shivaay'' is an action drama movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/check-out-the-breathtaking-shivaay-first-look/|title= Check out the breathtaking Shivay|work=www.koimoi.com}}</ref> Shivaay opened to mixed reviews and grossed more than {{INRConvert|146|c}}<ref name="BO">{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-shivaay/|title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Shivaay|work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref>


[[File:Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'Cruz.jpg|thumb|left|Devgn with [[Ileana D'Cruz]] during the trailer launch of their film ''[[Baadshaho]]'' in 2017]]
In 2017, Devgn featured in director [[Milan Luthria]]'s ''[[Baadshaho]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/find-out-some-details-about-ajay-devgns-baadshaho/|title=Find Out Some Details About Ajay Devgn's Baadshaho|date=3 September 2015|publisher=}}</ref> and [[Rohit Shetty]]'s [[Golmaal Again]].<ref>http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/golmaal-again-gets-third-highest-opening-weekend-box-office-collection-for-2017-baahubali-2-raees-still-lead-4169809.html</ref> Both films were commercial successes.In the dry spell of [[Bollywood]] where big names like [[Shahrukh Khan]] and [[Salman Khan]] were unable to give a single hit Devgn gave two back to back hits in 2 months. While [[Baadshaho]] was a hit, [[Golmaal Again]] became the [[List of Bollywood films of 2017|highest-grossing film of 2017]] collecting 100 crores in 4 days of its release and a lifetime collection of 205 crores at the Indian box office while making a hefty 300 crores at worldwide box office<ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/golmaal-again-box-office-collection-day-4-ajay-devgn-and-team-has-100-crore-reasons-to-smile-1766493]</ref>
In 2016, Devgn was seen in his own production, ''[[Shivaay]]'', which released around Diwali 2016. ''Shivaay'' is an action drama movie.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2021 |title=Ajay Devgn celebrates 5 years of Shivaay with throwback video. Watch |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/ajay-devgn-celebrates-5-years-of-shivaay-with-throwback-video-watch-1870385-2021-10-28 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Shivaay opened to mixed reviews and grossed more than {{INRConvert|146|c}}.<ref name="BO">{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-shivaay/ |title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Shivaay |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=29 October 2016 |access-date=5 November 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Devgn featured in director [[Milan Luthria]]'s ''[[Baadshaho]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Here's How the Baadshaho Actor Ajay Devgn is So Fit and Fabulous At 48 |url=https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/heres-how-the-baadshaho-actor-ajay-devgn-is-so-fit-and-fabulous-at-48-1744410 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=NDTV Food |date=22 August 2017 |language=en}}</ref> and [[Rohit Shetty]]'s ''[[Golmaal Again]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/golmaal-again-gets-third-highest-opening-weekend-box-office-collection-for-2017-baahubali-2-raees-still-lead-4169809.html |title=Golmaal Again gets third-highest opening weekend box office collection for 2017; Baahubali 2, Raees still lead |date=24 October 2017 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> While ''Baadshaho'' was a flop, the latter emerged a blockbuster collecting 100 crores in 4 days of its release and a lifetime collection of 205 crores at the Indian box office while making a hefty 310 crores at worldwide box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3630|title=Golmaal Again - Movie - Box Office India}}</ref>


In 2018, Devgn starred in [[Raj Kumar Gupta]]'s ''[[Raid (2018 film)|Raid]]'' where he plays the role of an honest [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer, which released to positive critical feedback on 16 March, and was a commercial success.<ref name="roundup">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/raid-movie-review-roundup-ajay-devgn-starrer-realistic-says-critics-celebs-763970 |title=Raid movie review roundup: Ajay Devgn starrer is realistic, say critics, celebs |work=[[International Business Times]] |access-date=16 March 2018 |date=16 March 2018}}</ref> Devgn has long been working on producing ''Sons of Sardaar: The [[Battle of Saragarhi]]'', a sequel to ''Son of Sardaar''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ajay-devgn-shares-sons-of-sardaar-the-battle-of-saragarhi-first-look-diwali-2017-release-planned-2922284.html |title=Ajay Devgn shares Sons of Sardaar: The Battle of Saragarhi first look; Diwali 2017 release planned |date=29 July 2016 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> In August 2017, Devgn stated: "We are working on the script but it won't happen for another two years because of the scale of the project."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ajay-devgn-saragarhi-is-set-to-happen-but-in-the-next-three-or-four-years/articleshow/60301262.cms |title=Ajay Devgn: Saragarhi is set to happen but in the next three or four years |website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> He starred in ''[[De De Pyaar De]]'' alongside [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]] and [[Rakul Preet Singh]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/rakul-preet-star-alongside-ajay-devgn-tabu-rom-com/ |title=Rakul Preet to star alongside Ajay Devgn and Tabu in this rom-com |date=16 January 2018 |work=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=16 January 2018}}</ref> In early 2020, Devgn portrayed the role of 17th-century military leader [[Tanaji Malusare]] in an eponymously titled film, ''[[Tanhaji]]''; directed by [[Om Raut]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/revealed-ajay-devgns-ferociously-intriguing-look-from-taanaji-the-unsung-warrior/340215 |title=Revealed! Ajay Devgn's ferociously intriguing look from Taanaji – The Unsung Warrior |website=www.timesnownews.com |date=2 January 2019 |language=en-GB |access-date=2 January 2019}}</ref> The film was released on 10 January 2020 and went on to win three [[National Film Awards]], including the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] and [[National Film Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]], both for Devgn, in addition to his eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor <ref>{{Cite news |agency=PTI |date=2022-07-22 |title=68th National Film Awards: 'Soorarai Pottru', 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior' win top honours |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/68th-national-film-awards-soorarai-pottru-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-win-top-honours/article65671218.ece |access-date=2022-07-23 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> ''Tanhaji'' earned Rs 3.67 billion ($49 million) worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ajay Devgn's 'Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior' declared biggest Hindi box office hit of the last two years |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/ajay-devgns-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-declared-biggest-hindi-box-office-hit-of-the-last-two-years/articleshow/88584327.cms |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=The Times of India |date=30 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Moreover, it marks Ajay Devgn's 100th film as an actor.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ajay Devgn: 100th film or first, anxiety remains the same |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-100th-film-or-first-anxiety-remains-the-same/articleshow/72360710.cms |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=The Times of India |date=4 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2018, Devgn starred in [[Raj Kumar Gupta]]'s ''[[Raid (2018 film)|Raid]]'' where he plays the role of an honest [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer, which released to positive critical feedback on 16 March.<ref name="roundup">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/raid-movie-review-roundup-ajay-devgn-starrer-realistic-says-critics-celebs-763970
|title=Raid movie review roundup: Ajay Devgn starrer is realistic, say critics, celebs|work=[[International Business Times]]|accessdate=16 March 2018|date=16 March 2018}}</ref> Devgn has long been working on producing 'Sons of Sardaar: The Battle of Saragari,' a sequel to [[Son of Sardaar]].<ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ajay-devgn-shares-sons-of-sardaar-the-battle-of-saragarhi-first-look-diwali-2017-release-planned-2922284.html]</ref> In August 2017, Devgn stated: "We are working on the script but it won’t happen for another two years because of the scale of the project."<ref>[https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ajay-devgn-saragarhi-is-set-to-happen-but-in-the-next-three-or-four-years/articleshow/60301262.cms]</ref>
He has also committed to star with [[Rakul Preet Singh]] and [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]] in his next Bollywood film romcom produced by [[Luv Ranjan]].<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/rakul-preet-star-alongside-ajay-devgn-tabu-rom-com/ |title = Rakul Preet to star alongside Ajay Devgn and Tabu in this rom-com|date = 16 Jan 2018|work = Bollywood Hungama|access-date = 16 Jan 2018|via = }}</ref>


In 2021, he starred alongside [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Sharad Kelkar]], [[Nora Fatehi]] and [[Sonakshi Sinha]] in the historical film, ''[[Bhuj: The Pride of India]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-sanjay-dutt-sonakshi-sinha-rana-daggubati-parineeti-chopra-and-ammy-virk-join-the-ajay-devgn-starrer/articleshow/68493083.cms |title='Bhuj: The Pride of India': Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Rana Daggubati, Parineeti Chopra and Ammy Virk join the Ajay Devgn starrer |website=The Times of India |date=20 March 2019 |language=en |access-date=23 March 2019}}</ref> a critical failure, and had a cameo in ''[[Sooryavanshi]]'', reprising as DCP Bajirao Singham.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/akshay-kumars-sooryavanshi-to-open-with-ajay-devgn-ranveer-singh-to-enter-before-interval-report-4342019.html|title= Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi to Have an Extended Climax with Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh|work=News18}}</ref>
==Other work==
===Producer===
Devgn's production company [[Ajay Devgn Films]], was established in 2000. The company's first film was ''[[Raju Chacha]]'', (2000) starring Devgan and Kajol. In 2008, Devgn made his directorial debut and co-produced ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]''. Devgn was part of the drama film's team of four writers. The film tells the story of a woman (Kajol) who has a very weak memory and even forgets her own husband. [[Taran Adarsh]], a film critic, described it as "a well-made, absorbing love story that's high on the emotional quotient."<ref name="IndiaFM Review">[http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/13577/index.html "Movie Review: U, Me aur Hum."] India fm.com Accessed 12 April 2008.</ref>


[[File:Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh at the second trailer launch of Runway 34 in Delhi (2) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Ajay Devgn and [[Rakul Preet Singh]] at the second trailer launch of ''Runway 34'' in Delhi.]]
In 2009, Devgn released his home production ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins]]'', which was directed by [[Rohit Shetty]] and starred Devgn, [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Fardeen Khan]], [[Bipasha Basu]] and [[Mugdha Godse]]. The film was released on 16 October 2009, and was the [[Bollywood films of 2009|ninth-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2009]].<ref>[http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ== "Box Office 2009."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014131907/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D |date=14 October 2013 }} Box Office India.com Accessed 13 October 2010.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100925090950/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D Box Office 2009."] Web Archive.org. Archived 25 September 2010.</ref>
In 2022, Devgn made his OTT debut with the web series, ''[[Rudra: The Edge of Darkness]]'', on [[Disney+ Hotstar]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajay-devgn-on-ott-debut-with-rudra-nobody-wants-to-watch-a-nice-guy-controversies-go-on-and-on-4012481.html|title= Ajay Devgn on OTT Debut with Rudra: Nobody Wants to Watch a Nice Guy, Controversies Go On and On|work=News18}}</ref> The same year, he released his third directorial, ''[[Runway 34]]''. It received positive reviews from both the critics and audience, but failed on the box office.<ref>{{Citation |title=Runway 34 Movie Review: Ajay Devgn's aviation drama lands well within the runway |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/runway-34/movie-review/91149917.cms |access-date=2022-07-23}}</ref> He was also seen in extended cameo appearances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ''[[Gangubai Kathiawadi]]'' and S. S. Rajamouli's ''[[RRR (film)|RRR]]'', for which he received high praise.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-30 |title=Ajay Devgn has Watched Neither RRR Nor Gangubai Kathiawadi. Here's Why |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajay-devgn-has-watched-neither-rrr-nor-gangubai-kathiawadi-heres-why-5085883.html |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Later that year, Devgn was seen as Chitragupt in [[Indra Kumar]]'s [[Thank God (film)|''Thank God'']], which also starred [[Sidharth Malhotra]], which turned out to be a commercial failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=6206|title=Thank God (2022)}}</ref> Later he starred in the sequel to ''[[Drishyam (2015 film)|Drishyam]]'', ''[[Drishyam 2 (2022 film)|Drishyam 2]]'', directed by Abhishek Pathak. It became a major critical and commercial success, along with becoming his second highest-grossing film of his career, after ''Tanhaji''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-10 |title=Drishyam 2 Box Office Day 23 (Early Trends): Enters Into 200 Crore Club In Style, Hits 3rd Double Century For Ajay Devgn |url=https://www.koimoi.com/box-office/drishyam-2-box-office-day-23-early-trends-enters-into-200-crore-club-in-style-hits-3rd-double-century-for-ajay-devgn/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=koimoi.com |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan Cast of 'Bol Bachchan' meet fans at Fame Inorbit Mall 10.jpg|thumb|[[Abhishek Bachchan]] and Devgan during the promotions of Devgan's produced film ''[[Bol Bachchan]]'' (2012).]]
In 2012, Devgn starred in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s [[Romance film|romantic]] [[action comedy film]] ''[[Bol Bachchan]]'', which was a joint production with [[Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd]]. It also featured [[Abhishek Bachchan]], [[Asin]] and [[Prachi Desai]]. The film, made with a budget of {{INRConvert|70|c}},<ref name="budget">[http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bol-bachchan-crosses-rs-50-crore-mark/270497-8-66.html "'Bol Bachchan' crosses Rs 50 crore mark."] Ibnlive.in 10 July 2012.</ref> is an official remake of ''[[Gol Maal]]'' (1979). The film was released on 6 July 2012 in about 2,575 cinemas around the world and had 2,700 prints. It received mixed reviews but had a good opening at the box office.<ref>Bose S. [http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/bol-bachchan-12-cr-on-opening-day/ "Bol Bachchan: 12-Cr On Opening Day."] Box Office India.com 7 July 2012.</ref> The film had record advance bookings.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Bol-Bachchan-gets-record-advance-bookings/articleshow/14688264.cms "'Bol Bachchan' gets record advance bookings."] The Times of India.com 6 July 2012 Accessed 10 July 2012.</ref> ''Bol Bachchan'' was one of the [[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films|highest-grossing Bollywood films]]. It took {{INRConvert|158|c}}.<ref name="100c">[
http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=4967&nCat= "Fastest to the Century: Barfi! In 17 Days."] Box Office India.com 9 October 2012 Accessed 9 October 2012.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110120235454/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=earnings "Box Office Earnings 06/06/12 – 12/07/12."] Box Office India.com</ref><ref name=Gross>[http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5301&nCat= "Top Ten Worldwide Grossers 2012."] Box Office India.com 2012 Accessed 17 January 2013.</ref>


The following year, Devgn starred and directed the remake of ''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'' (2019), ''[[Bholaa]]'', his third directorial. The film was a critical and commercial disappointment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7793|title=Bholaa Final Collections - India And Overseas|date=1 June 2023}}</ref> In 2024, Devgn had four major releases. The first was the horror film ''[[Shaitaan (2024 film)|Shaitaan]]'', which received favorable response from critics and emerged a huge hit at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8418|title=A Decent First Quarter - Shaitaan Leads Classifications}}</ref> He then appeared in [[Amit Sharma (director)|Amit Ravindernath Sharma]]'s third directorial venture ''[[Maidaan]]'', which saw him portraying Indian football coach [[Syed Abdul Rahim]]. Although the biopic and Devgn's performance received highly positive reviews, the film was a financial failure.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Bollywood Hungama News Network |title=Maidaan Movie Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maidaan/critic-review/maidaan-movie-review/maidaan-is-one-of-the-finest-sports-based-films-of-bollywood/ |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=9 April 2024}}{{rating|4|5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Maidaan Box Office|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maidaan/box-office/#bh-movie-box-office|access-date=25 April 2024|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|date=25 April 2024 }}</ref> His next release, [[Neeraj Pandey]]'s ''[[Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha]]'' was also a box office flop, this time to mixed to negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaushal |first=Sweta |date=2024-08-09 |title=India Box Office: 'Ulajh', 'Auron Mein Kaha Dum Tha' Score Low |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/swetakaushal/2024/08/10/india-box-office-ulajh-auron-mein-kaha-dum-tha-score-low/ |website=Forbes}}</ref> Devgn's final release of that year, the fifth installment of Rohit Shetty's [[Cop Universe]], the actioner ''[[Singham Again]]'' took an initial of ₹437 million and collected {{INRConvert|3.89|b}} worldwide to emerge as his highest-earner as well as the [[List of Indian films of 2024|sixth highest-grossing Indian film]] of 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Singham Again Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/singham-again/box-office/ |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>
Devgn also starred in [[Ashwni Dhir]]'s [[Romance film|romantic]] [[action comedy film]] ''[[Son of Sardaar]]'', which was a joint production with [[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]]. The film was released on 13 November 2012. Despite competition with [[Yash Raj Films|Yash Raj]]'s film ''[[Jab Tak Hai Jaan]]'', ''Son of Sardaar'' was a financial success.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_ajay-devgn-takes-on-shah-rukh-khan_1641136 "Ajay Devgn takes on Shah Rukh Khan!"] DNA India.com 23 January 2012. Accessed 24 January 2012.</ref><ref>[http://boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5136&nCat= "Jab Tak Hai Jaan super hit, 'Son of Sardaar'."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128040220/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5136&nCat= |date=28 November 2012 }} Box Office India.com Accessed 24 November 2012.</ref><ref name="overseasSOS">[http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5147&nCat= "Jab Tak Hai Jaan blockbuster, 'Son of Sardaar' average."] Box Office India.com Accessed 28 November 2012.</ref> It made {{INRConvert|150|c}}.<ref name="Gross"/>


=== Upcoming projects ===
In 2018, Ajay Devgn released his first [[Marathi language|Marathi]] production [[Aapla Manus]]. The movie was in Marathi language. It was directed by [[Satish Rajwade]] and starred [[Nana Patekar]], [[Iravati Harshe]], and [[Sumeet Raghavan]]. The film was produced by Ajay Devgn, [[Nana Patekar]], Abhinav Shuklaa, Manish Mishra, & Rohit Choudhary and released on 9 February 2018. The story was a dramatic thriller and written by Vivek Bele. The film was distributed by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mumbailive.com/en/marathi-film/aapla-manus-movie-review-marathi-actor-nana-patekar-sumeet-raghavan-iravati-harshe-suspense-story-20371|date=9 February 2018|title=Aapla Manus Is A Family Drama With A Pinch Of Thriller}}</ref>.
In 2025, Devgn is set to feature in ''Raid 2'' and ''[[Son of Sardaar 2]]'', [[spiritual sequels]] to his 2018 release ''[[Raid (2018 film)|Raid]]'' and 2012 release ''[[Son of Sardaar]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/raid-2-release-date-postponed-ajay-devgn-starrer-set-to-hit-big-screens-on-this-date-article-112382740|title=Raid 2 Release Date Postponed? Ajay Devgn Starrer Set To Hit Big Screens On THIS Date|date=8 Aug 2024|work=Times Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sanjay-dutt-set-to-join-ajay-devgn-in-punjab-for-son-of-sardaar-2-report/articleshow/112988322.cms|date=2 Sep 2024|title=Sanjay Dutt set to join Ajay Devgn in Punjab for ‘Son of Sardaar 2': Report|work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref>


== Other works ==
==Awards and honours==
=== Production===
{{Main article|List of awards and nominations received by Ajay Devgn}}
{{Main|Ajay Devgn FFilms}}
Ajay Devgn FFilms (ADF) is an Indian film [[production company|production]] and [[Film distributor|distribution]] company established by actor Ajay Devgn in 2000. Based in [[Mumbai]], it mainly produces and distributes [[Hindi language|Hindi]] films. In 2000, ADF released its first film, ''[[Raju Chacha]]''. The film starred Devgn himself as the lead actor and his wife [[Kajol]] as the lead actress. ''Raju Chacha'' received mixed reviews but grossed Rs 209.2 millions at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Raju Chacha - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=754 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=30 December 2022}}</ref>


In 2008, Devgn co-produced the drama ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]'', which marked his directorial debut.<ref>{{cite news |last=Basu |first=Nilanjana |title=Ajay Devgn To Direct Amitabh Bachchan In New Film Titled Mayday. Details Here |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ajay-devgn-to-direct-amitabh-bachchan-in-new-film-titled-mayday-details-here-2322009 |access-date=30 December 2022 |work=[[NDTV]] |date=November 7, 2020}}</ref> Devgn also played the lead role in the film, sharing the screen again with Kajol. The film was written by Devgn himself and three other writers. Critical reception was generally positive, with [[Taran Adarsh]] giving the film 4 out of 5 stars and describing it as "A well-made, absorbing love story that's high on emotional quotient".<ref>{{cite web |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |title=U Me Aur Hum Review 4/5 {{!}} U Me Aur Hum Movie Review {{!}} U Me Aur Hum 2008 Public Review {{!}} Film Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/u-me-aur-hum/critic-review/u-me-aur-hum-movie-review/ |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=11 April 2008 |access-date=19 December 2022 |language=en}}{{rating|4|5}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[List of Indian film actors]]


In 2009, Devgn released and acted in his home production ''[[All the Best: Fun Begins]]'', which was directed by [[Rohit Shetty]] and also starring, [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Fardeen Khan]], [[Bipasha Basu]] and [[Mugdha Godse]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.moviewood.net/bollywood/upcoming-movies/all-the-best-fun-begins |title=All The Best-Fun Begins – preview, trailer, cast and crew, release date on moviewood.net |website=www.moviewood.net |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-date=23 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055923/http://www.moviewood.net/bollywood/upcoming-movies/all-the-best-fun-begins |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film was released on 16 October 2009 and received positive response from critics. It was rated a hit in India, and is the twelfth highest grossing Bollywood film of 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top India Total Nett Gross 2009 - - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2009&pageId=4 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=19 December 2022}}</ref>
==References==

{{Reflist|30em}}
In 2014, ADF produced ''[[Singham Returns]]'' starring Devgn and [[Kareena Kapoor]]. In 2016 Devgn produced and starred in ''[[Shivaay]]'' which is to be the most expensive film of his production.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Shivay-to-be-Ajay-Devgn-Productions-most-expensive-film/articleshow/45583601.cms"Shivay |title=to be Ajay Devgn Productions' most expensive film |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

In late December 2017, ADF collaborated with [[Fox Star Studios]] to produce ''[[Total Dhamaal]]'' starring Devgn, [[Riteish Deshmukh]], [[Arshad Warsi]], [[Javed Jaffrey]], [[Madhuri Dixit]], and [[Anil Kapoor]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-ajay-devgn-to-co-produce-total-dhamaal-2571665 |title=Ajay Devgn to co-produce Total Dhamaal |first=Meena |last=Iyer |date=31 December 2017 |website=DNA India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/total-dhamaal-anil-kapoor-madhuri-dixit-ajay-devgns-film-release-day-395026%22Total |title=&#124; PINKVILLA |website=www.pinkvilla.com |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503142047/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/total-dhamaal-anil-kapoor-madhuri-dixit-ajay-devgns-film-release-day-395026%22Total |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2018, Ajay Devgn released his first [[Marathi language|Marathi]] production [[Aapla Manus]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ajay Devgn's Maiden Marathi Production Titled Aapla Manus |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajay-devgns-maiden-marathi-production-titled-aapla-manus-1613855.html |access-date=30 December 2022 |work=[[CNN-News18|News18]] |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]] |date=25 December 2017 |language=en}}</ref> The movie was in Marathi language. It was directed by [[Satish Rajwade]] and starred [[Nana Patekar]], [[Iravati Harshe]], and [[Sumeet Raghavan]]. The film was produced by Ajay Devgn, [[Nana Patekar]], Abhinav Shuklaa, Manish Mishra, & Rohit Choudhary and released on 9 February 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aapla Manus |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/aapla_manus |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=30 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The story was a dramatic thriller and written by Vivek Bele. The film was distributed by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures.<ref>{{cite news|date=9 February 2018|title=Aapla Manus Is A Family Drama With A Pinch Of Thriller|work=MUMBAI LIVE|url=https://www.mumbailive.com/en/marathi-film/aapla-manus-movie-review-marathi-actor-nana-patekar-sumeet-raghavan-iravati-harshe-suspense-story-20371}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

=== NY VFXWAALA ===
In October 2015, Devgn established a [[visual effects]] company, NY VFXWAALA, after his children. It has been involved with many major films, such as ''[[Prem Ratan Dhan Payo]]'', ''[[Tamasha (2015 film)|Tamasha]]'', ''[[Bajirao Mastani]]'', ''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]'', ''[[Dilwale (2015 film)|Dilwale]]'', ''[[Force 2]]'', and ''[[Simmba]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/visual-effects-heres-how-ajay-devgn-common-link-between-bajirao-mastani-dilwale-videos-678484 |title=Visual effects: Here's how Ajay Devgn is the common link between 'Bajirao Mastani' and 'Dilwale' [VIDEOS] |first=Prarthna |last=Sarkar |date=12 May 2016 |website=International Business Times, India Edition}}</ref> The company won the [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]] award at the [[64th National Film Awards]] for the film ''[[Shivaay]]'' (2016).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Priyanka |title=Ajay Devgn on Shivaay's National Award win: Not surprised, it is well deserved |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ajay-devgn-on-shivaay-national-award-win-not-surprised-it-is-well-deserved-4603737/ |access-date=16 May 2018 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=7 April 2017}}</ref>

==In the media==
[[File:Ajay Devgn at Tezz promotional bus ride (4).jpg|thumb|upright|Devgn in 2012]]

Ashwini Deshmukh of ''[[Filmfare]]'' termed Devgn a "private person" who is self-confessedly uncomfortable around people and said, "Three decades in the industry and Ajay Devgn continues to enjoy the trust of filmmakers and the loyalty of his fans."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ajay Devgn on his film journey as he completes 30 years in Bollywood this year |author=Ashwini Deshmukh |work=Filmfare |access-date=20 August 2020 |url=https://m.filmfare.com/interviews/exclusive-ajay-devgn-on-his-film-journey-as-he-completes-30-years-in-bollywood-this-year-34878.amp}}</ref> Ankur Pathak of ''[[GQ (Indian edition)|GQ]]'' noted, "Devgn has shown remarkable resilience as a bankable star who has never had to rely on a "comeback" film since he never really goes off-screen."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ajay Devgn: Star for all seasons |author=Ankur Pathak |work=GQ India - Entertainment |date=17 February 2023 |access-date=17 February 2023 |url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/ajay-devgn-star-for-all-seasons/amp}}</ref> Sandeep Unnithan of ''[[India Today]]'' termed him a "versatile actor" and said, "Devgn is a darling of his directors."<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Ajay Devgn rode to industry superstardom |author=Sandeep Unnithan |work=India Today |access-date=27 November 2021 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india-today-insight/story/how-ajay-devgn-rode-to-industry-superstardom-1879690-2021-11-22}}</ref> ''[[Rediff.com]]'' noted the actor's change from "lanky star son" to "back-to-back hits churner". It further credited him for popularising the "intense, brooding hero" looks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Birthday Special: Ajay Devgn's Top Ten Films |author=Rediff Movies |work=Rediff.com |access-date=26 December 2020 |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-birthday-special-ajay-devgn-s-top-ten-films/20130402.htm}}</ref>

Devgn is among the most popular and highest paid celebrities in India.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=29 November 2022|title=IMBD: The top 12 Highest paid Indian actors in 2022; see list |work=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/web-stories/is-this-how-much-the-highest-paid-indian-actors-charge-per-film/photostory/93523121.cms}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|access-date=28 December 2022|title=From Ajay Devgn to Pankaj Tripathi, 10 highest paid actors on OTT in India |work=GQ India|url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/ajay-devgn-to-pankaj-tripathi-10-highest-paid-indian-ott-actors-who-charge-in-crores-for-their-powerful-performances/amp}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|access-date=19 December 2015|title=Exclusive - These are Bollywood's 16 highest paid actors|work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/16-highest-paid-actors-in-bollywood/story-cWDaYbiDBnnSKLD0G4HZbO_amp.html}}</ref> He has frequently featured in the ''[[Forbes India]]''{{'}}s [[Forbes Celebrity 100|Celebrity 100]] list since 2012. He peaked at the 10th position in 2018 with an estimated annual income of {{INRConvert|745|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2018-celebrity-100/1735/1 |title=2018 Celebrity 100 |work=Forbes India |access-date=20 December 2017 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219063445/https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2018-celebrity-100/1735/1 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, he was placed 12th, with an estimated annual income of {{INRConvert|940|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2019-celebrity-100/1819/all |title=2019 Celebrity 100 |work=Forbes India |access-date=20 December 2018 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219063445/http://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2019-celebrity-100/1819/all |url-status=live}}</ref> He was also inducted into the [[Walk of the Stars|Bollywood Walk of Fame]] at [[Bandstand Promenade|Bandra Bandstand]], where his hand print was preserved.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/walking-with-the-stars-112040100022_1.html |title=Walking with the stars |last=Saraswathy |first=M. |date=1 April 2012 |work=Business Standard India |access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref> Devgn was placed 7th in ''[[Rediff.com]]''{{'}}s list of Top 10 Actors of 2000–2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-these-actors-have-fared-in-the-last-decade/20110308.htm#5 |title=How Bollywood's top actors have fared last decade |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104000451/https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-these-actors-have-fared-in-the-last-decade/20110308.htm#5 |archive-date=4 January 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> In ''Rediff.com'' "Top Bollywood Actors" list, Devgn ranked 1st in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://in.rediff.com/movies/2002/dec/25act1.htm |title=Top Bollywood Actors 2002 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104000451/https://in.rediff.com/movies/2002/dec/25act1.htm |archive-date=4 January 2017 |access-date=15 November 2019}}</ref> He subsequently ranked 4th in 2004, 10th in 2006 and 2nd in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/27sd2.htm |title=Top Bollywood Actors of 2004 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104000451/https://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/27sd2.htm |archive-date=4 January 2017 |access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm |title=Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104000451/https://m.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd2.htm |archive-date=4 January 2017 |access-date=13 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/amp/movies/special/bollywoods-top-actors-of-2019-so-far/20190704.htm |title=Bollywood's TOP Actors of 2019, so far |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104000451/https://m.rediff.com/amp/movies/special/bollywoods-top-actors-of-2019-so-far/20190704.htm |archive-date=4 January 2017 |access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref> In ''[[Eastern Eye]]'''s Sexiest Asian Men list of 2011, Devgn was placed 29th.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-hrithik-tops-sexiest-asian-men-list/20111202.htm |title=Hrithik Roshan tops Sexiest Asian Men 2011 list |date=2 December 2011 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231035051/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-hrithik-tops-sexiest-asian-men-list/20111202.htm |archive-date=31 December 2016 |access-date=3 January 2017 }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Lists of Indian actors|List of Indian actors]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book |last=Dawar |first=Ramesh |title=Bollywood: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TO6Fmi8FraUC&pg=PA2008 |date=2006 |publisher=Star Publications |isbn=978-1-905863-01-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231013227/https://books.google.com/books?id=TO6Fmi8FraUC |archive-date=31 December 2016}}
* {{cite book |last=Bajaj |first=J.K. |title=On & Behind the Indian Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_1UqAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1986 |date=2014 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-5083-621-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704192635/http://books.google.com/books?id=_1UqAwAAQBAJ |archive-date=4 July 2014}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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Latest revision as of 10:42, 11 December 2024

Ajay Devgn
Devgn in 2018
Born
Vishal Veeru Devgan[1]

2 April 1969 (1969-04-02) (age 55)
Other namesAjay Devgan
EducationMithibai College
Occupations
  • Actor
  • producer
  • director
Years active1991–present
WorksFull list
Spouse
(m. 1999)
Children2
FatherVeeru Devgan
FamilyDevgan family (by birth)
Mukherjee-Samarth family (by marriage)
AwardsFull list
HonoursPadma Shri (2016)
Websiteajaydevgnffilms.com

Vishal Veeru Devgan (born 2 April 1969), known professionally as Ajay Devgn, is an Indian actor, film director, and producer who works primarily in Hindi cinema. One of the most prolific actors of Hindi cinema, Devgn has appeared in over 100 films and has won numerous accolades, including four National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards. In 2016, he was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian honour.[2]

Devgn debuted in the action romance film Phool Aur Kaante (1991), a big commercial success which made him an overnight star.[3] He further starred in successful action films, such as Jigar (1992), Suhaag (1994), Vijaypath (1994), Dilwale (1994), Jaan (1996), Major Saab (1998) and Kachche Dhaage (1999) and romantic roles in Ishq (1997), Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).[4] Devgn also received praise for his performances in Naajayaz (1995), Diljale (1996) and Zakhm (1998). For Zakhm, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor.[5]

In the 2000s, Devgn saw limited commercial success, but continued to garner critical acclaim for films, including Company (2002), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), Gangaajal (2003), Khakee (2004), Raincoat (2004), Apaharan (2005) and Omkara (2006).[6] For portraying Bhagat Singh in The Legend of Bhagat Singh, he received his second National Film Award for Best Actor and Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).[7][8] In 2010, he made a comeback with three major grossers - Golmaal 3, Raajneeti, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and continued in the decade with Singham (2011), Bol Bachchan (2012), Son of Sardaar (2012), Singham Returns (2014), Drishyam (2015), Golmaal Again (2017), Raid (2018) and Total Dhamaal (2019).[9] His highest-grossing releases came with Tanhaji (2020), Drishyam 2 (2022) and Singham Again (2024).[10] For portraying the title role in Tanhaji, he won his third National Film Award for Best Actor.[11]

Devgn owns a production company Ajay Devgn FFilms, which was established in 1999.[12] He is married to Kajol with whom he has two children.

Early life and background

Devgn with his wife Kajol at an event in 2020

Devgn was born Vishal Veeru Devgan on 2 April 1969 to a Vishwakarma[13] family originally from Amritsar, Punjab.[14] The family has connections to the Hindi film industry in Mumbai. Devgn's father, Veeru Devgan, was a stunt choreographer and action-film director and his mother, Veena Devgan, is a film producer. His cousin, Anil Devgan, is a filmmaker and screenwriter. Devgn graduated from the Silver Beach High School in Juhu and then studied at Mithibai College.[15][16]

Personal life

Relationships and family

Devgn began a relationship with the actress Karisma Kapoor while filming Jigar (1992), however, the couple ended their relationship in 1995.[17] That same year, Devgn's relationship with the actress, Kajol, began whilst they were co-starring in Gundaraj (1995).[18] The media called them "an unlikely pair" due to their contrasting personalities.[19][20] On 24 February 1999, the couple married in a traditional Maharashtrian Hindu ceremony at the Devgan home.[21][22] The couple has two children. Their daughter, Nysa, was born 20 April 2003[23] and their son, Yug, was born 13 September 2010.[24][25][20] Devgn and Kajol stored their newborn son's umbilical cord blood and tissues to act as a source of stem cells in case of serious ailment.[26]

Religion

He is a practicing Shaiva Hindu who prominently wears a Rudraksha which, along with other religious themes, features in his films.[27][28][29][30][31]

He visits Ajmer Sharif, a Sufi shrine, every year, and says that he also keeps the Ramadan fast as a sign of secularism and respect when he's with a Muslim artist or crew staff during a film shooting.[32]

Name change

In August 2009, Devgn changed the spelling of his surname Devgan to Devgn, at the request of his family.[33]

Private jet

Devgn was the first Bollywood personality to own a private jet for transport to shooting locations, to promotions and for personal trips.[34]

Career

Rise to stardom (1991–99)

As Devgn entered the film industry in 1991, he changed his stage name from his birth name, Vishal, to "Ajay" due to several other actors named Vishal being launched at the same time, including Manoj Kumar's son.[1] He began his professional career alongside Madhoo in the action romance Phool Aur Kaante, which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.[35][36][37] In his opening scene, Devgn performed a split while balancing between two motorcycles. His next film was Jigar (1992), a Bollywood martial arts film co-starring Karisma Kapoor. It was released on Diwali weekend and became the seventh-highest-grossing film of that year, taking 7 crore (US$840,000) at the box office.[37]

In 1993, Devgn starred in Dil Hai Betaab, a film about a revengeful love triangle. He next featured in Divya Shakti and then Sangram, a story of enmity between two fathers.[38] Devgn then worked with Deepak Bahry, who directed the action film Ek Hi Raasta,[38] and with Deepak Pawar, who directed Platform. Other releases that year were Shaktiman, Dhanwan and Bedardi.[39][40][41]

In 1994, Devgn starred in Harry Baweja's romantic action film Dilwale. He played the part of Arun Saxena, a man with intellectual impairment. The movie was the tenth-highest-grossing movie of the year.[42] His next release was Kanoon and then Kuku Kohli's Suhaag with Akshay Kumar. The film was about two friends. Devgn played Ajay Sharma/Malhotra. Suhaag was the seventh-highest-grossing movie of the year.[42] His next film was Vijaypath. Shooting dates for Vijaypath clashed with those of Karan Arjun which Devgn declined. Vijaypath was the eighth-highest-grossing film of the year.[43]

In 1995, Devgn appeared alongside Juhi Chawla in Mahesh Bhatt's Naajayaz, which earned him his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, followed by Hulchul directed by Milan Luthria, alongside Kajol.[44] Devgn and Kajol then appeared in Gundaraj which did not perform well at the box office.[44] His next release was Haqeeqat[44] co-starring with Tabu. This film was the eleventh-highest-grossing film of the year.[44]

In 1996, Devgn starred in the action movie Jung with Mithun Chakraborty, Rambha and Aditya Pancholi. His next release was an action movie called Jaan,[45] with Twinkle Khanna. He then starred in Harry Baweja's film Diljale, where he played a terrorist character called Shaka.[45]

In 1997, Devgn starred in a poorly -eceived movie, Itihaas, with Twinkle Khanna. His next release was Indra Kumar's romantic comedy Ishq with Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla and Kajol. In this successful film, Devgn played Ajay, a rich boy in love with a poor girl, played by Kajol.[46] The film grossed 30 crore (US$3.6 million) and emerged as the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year.[46][47]

In 1998, Devgn starred in Major Saab with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre where he played the character of an army officer. The movie was successful and was the tenth-highest-grossing film of the year.[48] He next starred with Kajol in Anees Bazmee's second film, the romantic comedy Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, a remake of the 1995 American film French Kiss. It grossed 30.25 crore (US$3.6 million).[48] Devgn's next release was Mahesh Bhatt's drama Zakhm, which examines communal tension in Mumbai during riots. Devgn played a man who is fed up with religious conflict. Devgn won several awards for his critically acclaimed performance, including the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Screen Award for Best Actor, in addition to his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.[49]

In 1999, Devgn starred in the musical romance Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, in which he played Vanraj, a man who tries to help his wife (Aishwarya Rai) reunite with her lover (Salman Khan). Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam marked a significant turning point in Devgn's career. The film, an adaptation of Maitreyi Devi's Bengali novel Na Hanyate, was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starred Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Devgn's performance received positive reviews from critics. Rediff said: "Ajay's role reminds you of one he did in another film, Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha. There he is searching for the boyfriend of the girl he secretly loves. But intense scenes are his forte and he does well here. He's particularly good in the scene where he gets exasperated with his wife's stubbornness and strives to keep his cool."[50] The film proved to be a commercial success and earned Devgn his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. After that, he appeared in Hindustan Ki Kasam with Amitabh Bachchan and Sonali Bendre.[51] He then worked with the director Milan Luthria in Kachche Dhaage, with Saif Ali Khan and Manisha Koirala. The movie was a box-office hit.[51] He then performed in the successful movie Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet, a romantic comedy,[51] and then in his home production movie with Kajol, and director, Prakash Jha. The film was titled Dil Kya Kare. His other movies in 1999 were Gair and Thakshak in which he played a strong, silent man.[52][53]

Career fluctuations and critical acclaim (2000–09)

In 2000, Devgn performed in Harry Baweja's Deewane. The film did not do well at the box office.[54] In the same year, Devgn starred in his first home production; Raju Chacha, with Kajol. The film was moderately successful.[54]

In 2001, Devgn starred in another moderately successful film; Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke with Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta.[55] His next release was Lajja, with Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. His performance was positively received and earned him his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. However, the film was commercially unsuccessful.[55] Mahesh Manjrekar's Tera Mera Saath Rahen followed.[56][57]

2002 proved to be a key year for Devgn as he starred in three films of contrasting genres. He first starred in Ram Gopal Varma's Company which was a fictional examination of the Mumbai underworld. Devgn played a gangster named Malik. Both the film and Devgn's performance received critical acclaim. As Taran Adarsh reviewed: "Devgn enacts his role to perfection. A controlled performance, the actor takes to this complex character like a fish takes to water. He underplays his part with admirable ease."[58][59] Devgn's next release was David Dhawan's comedy Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, with Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai.[59] The same year, he played the role of Bhagat Singh, in Rajkumar Santoshi's biopic The Legend of Bhagat Singh.[60] His performance was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said, "Devgn has lived the role. To state that he is excellent would be an understatement. His performance is bound to win admiration from cinegoers, besides fetching awards."[61] The film was released on 7 June 2002 and went on to win two National Film Awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, and three Filmfare Awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics). Despite these awards, and Devgn winning his second National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance, the film was not popular with the public.[59] Devgn went on to perform in Anees Bazmee's Deewangee. The film was partially inspired by William Diehl's novel, Primal Fear. The film was a success at the box office.[59] He jointly won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics) for his performance in Company and The Legend of Bhagat Singh, in addition to receiving his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for the former. For his performance in Deewangee, he received several awards including the Filmfare Award for Best Villain, the Screen Award for Best Villain and the Zee Cine Award for Best Villain.

In 2003, Devgn starred in Ram Gopal Verma's horror film Bhoot, opposite Urmila Matondkar. The film was appreciated critically and performed well at the box office.[62] He then starred in the action thriller Qayamat: City Under Threat with the actress debutante, Neha Dhupia. The film was a commercial success.[62] Devgn next performed in Milan Luthria's romantic film Chori Chori, opposite Rani Mukherji and Sonali Bendre. This film did not succeed at the box office.[62] Devgn's next release of the year was Prakash Jha's Gangaajal. The film was set in the time of the blinding incident in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Rediff.com said, "Ajay Devgan pulls up an ace with a part tailormade to reinforce his seething-under-the-surface angry hero image. To his credit (and the director's), he brings style and grace to a largely stereotypical, righteous protagonist. To a great extent, his presence covers up the film's patchiness in the second half."[63] Devgn received his fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film. He then worked in Rohit Shetty's directional debut Zameen[64] and J. P. Dutta's war film LOC Kargil.[65]

In 2004, Devgn was cast with Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Akshay Kumar in Rajkumar Santoshi's action thriller Khakee. The film was released on 23 January 2004. It received positive reviews and became one of the highest-grossing films of 2004.[66] In Khakee, Devgn once again played a villain. His performance as a police officer turned murderer was well received by critics. Taran Adarsh said: "Ajay Devgan adds yet another feather in his cap with a performance that could've been played only by a master performer. His confrontations with Amitabh Bachchan are exemplary."[67] He received his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Villain for his performance in the film. Later in 2004, Devgn appeared in Indra Kumar's Masti and Mani Ratnam's Yuva.[68][69][70]

Devgn next collaborated with Rituparno Ghosh in the relationship drama Raincoat, with Aishwaraya Rai. The film is an adaptation of O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi. Raincoat met with wide critical acclaim and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.[71][72] Devgn was praised for his performance. Rediff said: "Hesitation, desperation, humiliation – Ajay Devgn conveys them eloquently. His Manoj is no cool dude, but just another lower middle-class guy in misery, with whom none would like to switch place. He particularly stands out in the scenes where he cries in the bathroom, or begs Neeru not to marry someone else."[71] In 2004, Devgn was also seen in a cameo appearance in Taarzan: The Wonder Car.[73]

2005 was a less successful year for Devgn, with all of his films not proving to be successful at the box office. His movies were not financially successful. They included Insan, Blackmail, Main Aisa Hi Hoon, Tango Charlie and Shikhar. However, the films Kaal and Apaharan did well. His performance as a villain in Kaal also earned him his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Villain.[74]

In 2006, Devgn played Othello in Omkara, a Hindi adaptation of William Shakespeare's Othello. It was directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The film is a tragedy of sexual jealousy set against the backdrop of the political system in Uttar Pradesh. It premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and was screened at the Cairo International Film Festival.[75][76] Omkara was well received by critics. Rediff said: "Othello is a tricky role, a leading man eclipsed by the villain. Yet the Moor is a brooding and compelling character, and Ajay Devgn does valiantly with his material. Omkara strips Othello of the racism, exchanging his black skin for surprisingly inconsequential half-Brahminism. Ajay's best bits are when restrained, and while there is a bit of a seen-that feel to his character, by the time the film is over, you realise just how unflinchingly solid he's been."[77] Taran Adarsh said: "Ajay makes a stirring and powerful interpretation of a man haunted by uncertainty about his lover's faithfulness. The serious look that Ajay carries suits him to the T. Of course, Ajay is exceptional in the film and looks every inch the character he portrays."[78]

In 2006, Devgn also starred in Rohit Shetty's Golmaal. It had two sequels Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3. In the same year, Devgn was featured in a short documentary about the Mumbai floods of 2005 titled The Awakening.[79]

In 2007, Devgn starred in two films, director Anubhav Sinha's action thriller Cash and Aag.[80][81] Both films proved to be critically and commercially unsuccessful.

In 2008, Devgn starred in the social film Halla Bol, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, alongside Pankaj Kapoor and Vidya Balan.[82][83] The film is based on the life of activist Safdar Hashmi, who was killed in 1989 by political rivals while performing in the street play Halla Bol.[84] The film received negative reviews and was a flop at the box office.[85] The same year, Devgn also starred in Rohit Shetty's third film Sunday.[86] He then took the lead role with Kajol in his own directorial debut film U Me Aur Hum.[87] The film performed moderately well at the box office and earned positive critical reviews for his performance as well as for his direction. Rediff said: "His character grows, discovers both shirt-buttons and subtlety, delivering an intense acting job. Speaking almost entirely in platitudes – pithy at first, profound as he goes on – this grows into an extraordinarily well-written character, replete with flaws and relatability. The way he treats his remorse, drunkenly pointing every finger at himself around a dinner table, is superbly handled, as is his guilty struggle to delineate his life experience from his professional opinion."[88] Devgn also made a cameo appearance in his brother Anil Devgan's film Haal-e-Dil. He then starred in Afzal Khan's Mehbooba.[89] Again in 2008, Devgn starred in Rohit Shetty's comedy Golmaal Returns, a sequel to the 2006 film Golmaal: Fun Unlimited about a mistrustful wife who believed her husband was unfaithful. The Indian Express said the screenplay was derivative, concluding: "There is nothing particularly new about a suspicious wife keeping tabs on her husband, and there is nothing particularly new in the way Ajay-Kareena play it."[90] Golmaal Returns was a financial hit with global revenues of 80 crore (US$9.6 million).[91]

In 2009, Devgn produced his third film, All the Best, directed by Rohit Shetty. It was a moderate commercial success.[92][93] Next, Devgn starred in Vipul Shah's London Dreams, with Salman Khan and the Tamil film star Asin. The film was not popular with the public.[92]

Resurgence and widespread success (2010–present)

Devgn with Rohit Shetty at the success bash of Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai in 2010
Devgn with Kangana Ranaut at success party of Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai in 2010

In 2010, Devgn featured in the financially successful comedy Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? with Paresh Rawal and Konkona Sen Sharma. He then featured in Prakash Jha's political thriller Raajneeti. Raajneeti was released internationally on 4 June 2010, after some controversies regarding similarities between actual people and the characters in the film. There were also issues about the use of the national anthem in the film. The film was made with a budget of 60 crore (US$7.2 million)[94] At release, it received positive reviews and emerged a superhit at the box office.[95] Again, in 2010, Devgn starred in Milan Luthria's Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, which was among the top-grossing films of that year.[96] Both the film and Devgn's performance were well received by the critics. Taran Adarsh said: "Ajay Devgn is splendid as Sultan. The actor had enacted a similar role in Company, but it must be said that his interpretation is so different in Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai. He adds so much depth to the character, which only goes to prove his range and versatility. This is, without a trace of doubt, Ajay's finest work so far."[97] Komal Nahta said: "Ajay Devgn is simply fantastic in the role of Sultan Mirza. So real is his performance that it looks like he was born to play this role. Right from his look to his acting including dialogue-delivery, everything is fabulous. Indeed, an award-winning performance!"[98] The film earned him his sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.

Devgn then starred in Priyadarshan's action-thriller film Aakrosh. The movie explores the subject of honour killings.[99] Aakrosh received some positive reviews, but was financially unsuccessful. At the end of 2010, Devgn worked again with Rohit Shetty in Golmaal 3, a sequel to Golmaal Returns (2008). Although, like its predecessor, the film received mixed reviews, it was the most successful of the Golmaal series, earning more than 169 crore (US$20 million) and emerging a blockbuster.[100] Devgn also worked as a voice artist in Toonpur Ka Superrhero, an animated film.[101]

In 2011, Devgn performed with Emraan Hashmi in Madhur Bhandarkar's comedy Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji. He was a narrator in Yamla Pagla Deewana and also made a cameo appearance in Ready. Devgn starred in Rohit Shetty's Singham. Taran Adarsh said: "The title means 'Lion' and Ajay is in the centre of the battle between good and evil. Ajay is well known for the lines, "aataa maajhi satakli". The embodiment of screen masculinity, Ajay enacts the central character of a righteous, hardhearted cop with flourish. He brings alive on screen a larger-than-life hero character with determined conviction, which renders you thunderstruck. One of the few actors who underplays his part admirably, he returns to the over-the-top-action genre of films with this one. In a nutshell, his performance plays a pivotal role in carrying the film to the winning post."[102] Singham earned him his seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He then starred David Dhawan's action comedy film Rascals.[103]

The following year, Devgn starred in Tezz, directed by Priyadarshan. His co-stars were Anil Kapoor, Boman Irani, Kangana Ranaut, Sameera Reddy and Zayed Khan. Devgn then starred in Rohit Shetty's film Bol Bachchan. He then starred in Son of Sardaar. In 2013, Devgn featured in the critically and commercially unsuccessful remake of Himmatwala.[104] Devgn next featured in Prakash Jha's political drama Satyagraha.[105]

In 2014, Devgn featured in Rohit Shetty's Singham Returns, a sequel to Singham. Singham Returns received mixed reviews from Indian critics.[106] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it 4 stars and said: "The film is a complete mass entertainer with power-packed drama, hi-intensity dialogue and towering performances as its aces. The brand value attached to it coupled with a long weekend will help the film reap a harvest and rule the box office in days to come.".[107] Collection of over 32.09 crore (US$3.8 million) on the first day of its release in India. Domestic net of Singham Returns are 140.62 crore (US$17 million).[108] Devgn next featured in Prabhu Deva's Action Jackson which did not perform well at box office.[109]

In 2015, Devgn starred in Drishyam, directed by Nishikant Kamat. The film received positive reviews, Meena Iyer of The Times of India gave the film four out of five stars, describing it as "A suspense drama with a nail-biting finish." She praised Devgn's performances: "Ajay, who is the prey here, shines in his role of the protective father.".[110] The film was successful at the box office, by the end of its sixth week, the film had grossed about 76.48 crore (US$9.2 million) at the domestic box office.[111]

Devgn with Ileana D'Cruz during the trailer launch of their film Baadshaho in 2017

In 2016, Devgn was seen in his own production, Shivaay, which released around Diwali 2016. Shivaay is an action drama movie.[112] Shivaay opened to mixed reviews and grossed more than 146 crore (US$17 million).[113] In 2017, Devgn featured in director Milan Luthria's Baadshaho[114] and Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Again.[115] While Baadshaho was a flop, the latter emerged a blockbuster collecting 100 crores in 4 days of its release and a lifetime collection of 205 crores at the Indian box office while making a hefty 310 crores at worldwide box office.[116]

In 2018, Devgn starred in Raj Kumar Gupta's Raid where he plays the role of an honest Indian Revenue Service officer, which released to positive critical feedback on 16 March, and was a commercial success.[117] Devgn has long been working on producing Sons of Sardaar: The Battle of Saragarhi, a sequel to Son of Sardaar.[118] In August 2017, Devgn stated: "We are working on the script but it won't happen for another two years because of the scale of the project."[119] He starred in De De Pyaar De alongside Tabu and Rakul Preet Singh.[120] In early 2020, Devgn portrayed the role of 17th-century military leader Tanaji Malusare in an eponymously titled film, Tanhaji; directed by Om Raut.[121] The film was released on 10 January 2020 and went on to win three National Film Awards, including the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Actor, both for Devgn, in addition to his eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor [122] Tanhaji earned Rs 3.67 billion ($49 million) worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2020.[123] Moreover, it marks Ajay Devgn's 100th film as an actor.[124]

In 2021, he starred alongside Sanjay Dutt, Sharad Kelkar, Nora Fatehi and Sonakshi Sinha in the historical film, Bhuj: The Pride of India,[125] a critical failure, and had a cameo in Sooryavanshi, reprising as DCP Bajirao Singham.[126]

Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh at the second trailer launch of Runway 34 in Delhi.

In 2022, Devgn made his OTT debut with the web series, Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, on Disney+ Hotstar.[127] The same year, he released his third directorial, Runway 34. It received positive reviews from both the critics and audience, but failed on the box office.[128] He was also seen in extended cameo appearances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi and S. S. Rajamouli's RRR, for which he received high praise.[129] Later that year, Devgn was seen as Chitragupt in Indra Kumar's Thank God, which also starred Sidharth Malhotra, which turned out to be a commercial failure.[130] Later he starred in the sequel to Drishyam, Drishyam 2, directed by Abhishek Pathak. It became a major critical and commercial success, along with becoming his second highest-grossing film of his career, after Tanhaji.[131]

The following year, Devgn starred and directed the remake of Kaithi (2019), Bholaa, his third directorial. The film was a critical and commercial disappointment.[132] In 2024, Devgn had four major releases. The first was the horror film Shaitaan, which received favorable response from critics and emerged a huge hit at the box office.[133] He then appeared in Amit Ravindernath Sharma's third directorial venture Maidaan, which saw him portraying Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim. Although the biopic and Devgn's performance received highly positive reviews, the film was a financial failure.[134][135] His next release, Neeraj Pandey's Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha was also a box office flop, this time to mixed to negative reviews.[136] Devgn's final release of that year, the fifth installment of Rohit Shetty's Cop Universe, the actioner Singham Again took an initial of ₹437 million and collected 3.89 billion (US$47 million) worldwide to emerge as his highest-earner as well as the sixth highest-grossing Indian film of 2024.[137]

Upcoming projects

In 2025, Devgn is set to feature in Raid 2 and Son of Sardaar 2, spiritual sequels to his 2018 release Raid and 2012 release Son of Sardaar.[138][139]

Other works

Production

Ajay Devgn FFilms (ADF) is an Indian film production and distribution company established by actor Ajay Devgn in 2000. Based in Mumbai, it mainly produces and distributes Hindi films. In 2000, ADF released its first film, Raju Chacha. The film starred Devgn himself as the lead actor and his wife Kajol as the lead actress. Raju Chacha received mixed reviews but grossed Rs 209.2 millions at the box office.[140]

In 2008, Devgn co-produced the drama U Me Aur Hum, which marked his directorial debut.[141] Devgn also played the lead role in the film, sharing the screen again with Kajol. The film was written by Devgn himself and three other writers. Critical reception was generally positive, with Taran Adarsh giving the film 4 out of 5 stars and describing it as "A well-made, absorbing love story that's high on emotional quotient".[142]

In 2009, Devgn released and acted in his home production All the Best: Fun Begins, which was directed by Rohit Shetty and also starring, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu and Mugdha Godse.[143] The film was released on 16 October 2009 and received positive response from critics. It was rated a hit in India, and is the twelfth highest grossing Bollywood film of 2009.[144]

In 2014, ADF produced Singham Returns starring Devgn and Kareena Kapoor. In 2016 Devgn produced and starred in Shivaay which is to be the most expensive film of his production.[145]

In late December 2017, ADF collaborated with Fox Star Studios to produce Total Dhamaal starring Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Madhuri Dixit, and Anil Kapoor.[146][147]

In 2018, Ajay Devgn released his first Marathi production Aapla Manus.[148] The movie was in Marathi language. It was directed by Satish Rajwade and starred Nana Patekar, Iravati Harshe, and Sumeet Raghavan. The film was produced by Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Abhinav Shuklaa, Manish Mishra, & Rohit Choudhary and released on 9 February 2018.[149] The story was a dramatic thriller and written by Vivek Bele. The film was distributed by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures.[150]

NY VFXWAALA

In October 2015, Devgn established a visual effects company, NY VFXWAALA, after his children. It has been involved with many major films, such as Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Tamasha, Bajirao Mastani, Mersal, Dilwale, Force 2, and Simmba.[151] The company won the Best Special Effects award at the 64th National Film Awards for the film Shivaay (2016).[152]

In the media

Devgn in 2012

Ashwini Deshmukh of Filmfare termed Devgn a "private person" who is self-confessedly uncomfortable around people and said, "Three decades in the industry and Ajay Devgn continues to enjoy the trust of filmmakers and the loyalty of his fans."[153] Ankur Pathak of GQ noted, "Devgn has shown remarkable resilience as a bankable star who has never had to rely on a "comeback" film since he never really goes off-screen."[154] Sandeep Unnithan of India Today termed him a "versatile actor" and said, "Devgn is a darling of his directors."[155] Rediff.com noted the actor's change from "lanky star son" to "back-to-back hits churner". It further credited him for popularising the "intense, brooding hero" looks.[156]

Devgn is among the most popular and highest paid celebrities in India.[157][158][159] He has frequently featured in the Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2012. He peaked at the 10th position in 2018 with an estimated annual income of 745 million (US$8.9 million).[160] In 2019, he was placed 12th, with an estimated annual income of 940 million (US$11 million).[161] He was also inducted into the Bollywood Walk of Fame at Bandra Bandstand, where his hand print was preserved.[162] Devgn was placed 7th in Rediff.com's list of Top 10 Actors of 2000–2010.[163] In Rediff.com "Top Bollywood Actors" list, Devgn ranked 1st in 2002.[164] He subsequently ranked 4th in 2004, 10th in 2006 and 2nd in 2019.[165][166][167] In Eastern Eye's Sexiest Asian Men list of 2011, Devgn was placed 29th.[168]

See also

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